Chapter
5 - Alcohol Use by Injured Pedestrians and Bicyclists
The data collection
form used to obtain information from injured pedestrians and bicyclists
brought to hospital emergency departments contained a question on alcohol
involvement. Although different procedures were followed by the hospitals
with regard to testing or questioning for alcohol use, and in many instances
alcohol use remained unknown, it was felt that an attempt should be made
to gather whatever information was available since use of alcohol can
be an important factor in pedestrian and bicyclist injury. As shown on
the data collection form (appendix A), the response levels pertaining
to the question on alcohol involvement were:
- Unknown/no
information.
- Presumed
not impaired.
- Not
tested, but impairment indicated.
- Tested,
and results of the testing (blood-alcohol level in mL/dL).
There was
also a section on the data collection form pertaining to drug use. However,
slightly more than 3 percent of the bicyclists (27 out of 814 with a
response available for this variable) and none of the pedestrians brought
to the emergency departments were suspected or tested positive for drug
use. Thus, no comments pertinent to drug use will be offered for this
small sample.
A variety
of cross-tabulations were run to examine alcohol use separately for
pedestrians and bicyclists. The text that follows covers pedestrian-motor
vehicle, pedestrian-only, pedestrian-bicycle, bicycle-motor vehicle,
bicycle-only, and bicycle-bicycle events. For these analyses, the "tested
and results" variable level has been dichotomized into two levels, "tested
and drinking" and "tested, not drinking," based on the detection of
any alcohol in the blood. Also, for some of the tables, the two
categories, "tested and drinking" and "indicated as impaired," have
been combined into a single category described as "had been drinking."
Table
31 shows the overall reported levels of alcohol involvement for the
various event types. Highest levels of alcohol involvement were reported
for the pedestrian-motor vehicle events: just over 13 percent of the
cases were either indicated as impaired or were tested and found to
have positive blood-alcohol levels. The corresponding percentage for
bicyclists struck by motor vehicles was just over 10 percent. Percentages
for "had been drinking" for the other injury event categories were generally
in the 6-7 percent range (except for pedestrian-bicycle events, none
of which involved alcohol). All of these percentages would be higher
if calculated with the "unknowns" excluded from the table. However,
the unknowns were left in the calculations, since the hospitals varied
in whether they used "unknown" or "presumed not impaired" for young
children who ordinarily would not be tested. In the remainder of the
chapter, this situation is addressed by also examining tables excluding
young children.
Table
31. Distribution of pedestrian and bicyclist injury event types by alcohol
use.
Injury
Event Type |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
as Impaired |
Tested,
Not
Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Pedestrian-MV |
164
(31.4)1 |
243
(46.6) |
28
(5.4) |
45
(8.6) |
42
(8.0) |
522
(20.4)2 |
Pedestrian
Only |
470
(51.0) |
364
(39.5) |
53
(5.8) |
22
(2.4) |
12
(1.3) |
921
(36.0) |
Pedestrian-Bicycle |
5
(23.8) |
16
(76.2) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
21
(0.8) |
Bicycle-MV |
128
(40.0) |
127
(39.7) |
19
(5.9) |
32
(10.0) |
14
(4.4) |
320
(12.5) |
Bicycle
Only |
250
(33.5) |
397
(53.2) |
32
(4.3) |
56
(7.5) |
11
(1.5) |
746
(29.2) |
Bicycle-Bicycle |
6
(21.4) |
20
(71.4) |
1
(3.6) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(3.6) |
28
(1.1) |
Total |
1023
(40.0) |
1167
(45.6) |
133
(5.2) |
155
(6.1) |
80
(3.1) |
2558 |
1
Percentage of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Results
for Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian-Motor
Vehicle Events
The emergency department database contained information on more than 500
pedestrians who had been struck by motor vehicles. As shown in table 31
above, alcohol use was either unknown or the pedestrians were presumed
not impaired in 78 percent of the cases. Overall, 5 percent of the pedestrians
were indicated as impaired, and another 8 percent were tested and found
to have positive blood-alcohol levels. An additional 9 percent were tested
and found not to be impaired.
Table
32, with information on the location of the injury event, shows that
64 of the 68 pedestrians (94 percent) who were either indicated as impaired
or who tested positive for alcohol were struck while in the roadway.
Of the seven pedestrians struck on sidewalks, two were impaired.
Table
32. Location where injury event occurred by alcohol use for pedestrian-motor
vehicle events.
Location
of
Injury Event |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Roadway |
136
(31.0)1 |
196
(44.7) |
26
(5.9) |
43
(9.8) |
38
(8.7) |
439
(88.0)2 |
Sidewalk |
4
(57.1) |
1
(14.3) |
2
(28.6) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
7
(1.4) |
Trail/Park/etc. |
1
(50.0) |
1
(50.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(0.4) |
Parking
Lot |
14
(42.4) |
18
(54.6) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(3.0) |
33
(6.6) |
Driveway |
4
(26.7) |
9
(60.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(6.7) |
1
(6.7) |
15
(3.0) |
Other |
0
(0.0) |
3
(100.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(0.6) |
Total |
159
(31.9) |
228
(45.7) |
28
(5.6) |
44
(8.8) |
40
(8.0) |
499 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Reported
alcohol use was highest in the 25-44 age group (table 33). More than
15 percent of the injured pedestrians in this age group were indicated
as impaired, and an additional 16 percent tested positive for alcohol.
Stated differently, about 32 percent of this age group had been drinking.
Just over 22 percent of the 45-64 age group had also been drinking (17.5
percent were tested and found to be impaired), but less than 8 percent
of the 65+ age group had this result. Overall, about 24 percent of those
age 20 and above had been drinking, compared to 14 percent for all age
groups combined.
Nearly
two-thirds of the pedestrians struck by motor vehicles were male (table
34). Some 16 percent of the males were found to have been drinking,
compared to 9 percent of the females. For those age 20 and above, 26
percent of the males and 20 percent of the females had been drinking.
Table
33. Age by alcohol use for pedestrian-motor vehicle events.
Age
of Pedestrian |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
0-9 |
22
(16.4)1 |
103
(76.9) |
0
(0.0) |
9
(6.7) |
0
(0.0) |
134
(25.9)2 |
10-14 |
34
(51.5) |
28
(42.4) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(1.5) |
3
(4.6 ) |
66
(12.7) |
15-19 |
23
(36.5) |
26
(41.3) |
2
(3.2 ) |
7
(11.1 ) |
5
(7.9) |
63
(12.2) |
20-24 |
16
(40.0) |
13
(32.5) |
2
(5.0) |
6
(15.0) |
3
(7.5) |
40
(7.7) |
25-44 |
41
(30.4) |
35
(26.0) |
21
(15.6) |
16
(11.9) |
22
(16.3) |
135
(26.1) |
45-64 |
13
(32.5) |
17
(42.5) |
2
(5.0) |
1
(2.5) |
7
(17.5) |
40
(7.7) |
65+ |
13
(32.5) |
21
(52.5) |
1
(2.5) |
3
(7.5) |
2
(5.0) |
40
(7.7) |
Total |
162
(31.3) |
243
(46.9) |
28
(5.4) |
43
(8.3) |
42
(8.1) |
518 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Table
34. Gender by alcohol use for pedestrian-motor vehicle events.
Gender
of Pedestrian |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Male |
92
(28.2)1 |
151
(46.3) |
21
(6.4) |
31
(9.5) |
31
(6.5) |
326
(62.6)2 |
Female |
72
(36.9) |
91
(46.7) |
7
(3.6) |
14
(7.2) |
11
(5.6) |
195
(37.4) |
Total |
164
(31.5) |
242
(46.5) |
28
(5.4) |
45
(8.6) |
42
(8.1) |
521 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
In
regard to race, just under half of the pedestrians were White, with
34 percent Black and 15 percent Hispanic (table 35). Nearly 15 percent
of the White pedestrians had been drinking, compared to 10 percent for
Blacks and 11 percent for Hispanics. For those age 20 and above, these
values increased to 24, 18, and 23 percent, respectively.
Table
35. Race by alcohol use for pedestrian-motor vehicle events.
Race
of Pedestrian |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
White |
85
(35.0)1 |
108
(44.4) |
14
(5.8) |
14
(5.8) |
22
(9.1) |
243
(47.7)2 |
Black |
55
(31.6) |
78
(44.8) |
11
(6.3) |
24
(13.8) |
6
(3.5) |
174
(34.1) |
Hispanic |
18
(24.3) |
41
(55.4) |
3
(4.1) |
7
(9.5) |
5
(6.8) |
74
(14.5) |
Asian |
0
(0.0) |
7
(87.5) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(12.5) |
8
(1.6) |
American
Indian |
1
(50.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(5.0) |
2
(0.4) |
Other/
Mixed |
2
(22.2) |
3
(33.3) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
4
(44.4) |
9
(1.8) |
Total |
161
(31.6) |
237
(46.5) |
28
(5.5) |
45
(8.8) |
39
(7.7) |
510 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Examining
time of day, about 34 percent of the pedestrians were struck between
2-6 p.m. and another 29 percent between 6-10 p.m. (table 36). Alcohol
impairment was more prevalent, however, in late evening and early morning
hours. Some 20 percent of those struck between 6-10 p.m. had been drinking,
compared to 45 percent for 10 p.m.-2 a.m. and 70 percent for 2-6 a.m.
(7 of 10 cases). For age 20 and above, these values increased to 42,
50, and 86 percent (6 of 7 cases), respectively.
Fifty-seven
percent of the pedestrians struck by motor vehicles were treated at
the hospital emergency department and released, 38 percent were admitted
to the hospital, and 3 percent were killed (table 37). The prevalence
of alcohol use increased with increasing severity of the injury event:
just over 9 percent of those treated and released had been drinking,
compared to 18 percent of those admitted and 27 percent of those killed
(4 out of 15 cases). For those age 20 and above, these values increased
to 19, 28, and 40 percent, respectively. Four of the 15 fatally injured
pedestrians had been drinking (1 indicated as impaired and 4 tested
and drinking).
Table
36. Time of day by alcohol use for pedestrian-motor vehicle events.
Time
of Day |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
6
a.m. - 10 a.m. |
13
(34.2)1 |
19
(50.0) |
0
(0.0) |
4
(10.5) |
2
(5.3) |
38
(9.6)2 |
10
a.m. - 2 p.m. |
24
(37.5) |
37
(57.8) |
2
(3.1) |
1
(1.6) |
0
(0.0) |
64
(16.2) |
2
p.m. - 6 p.m. |
54
(40.0) |
69
(51.1) |
5
(3.7) |
0
(0.0) |
7
(5.2) |
135
(34.2) |
6
p.m. - 10 p.m. |
37
(32.2) |
50
(43.5) |
6
(5.2) |
5
(4.4) |
17
(14.8) |
115
(29.1) |
10
p.m. - 2 a.m. |
9
(27.3) |
8
(24.2) |
7
(21.2) |
1
(3.0) |
8
(24.2) |
33
(8.4) |
2
a.m. - 6 a.m. |
1
(10.0) |
2
(20.0) |
4
(40.0) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(30.0) |
10
(2.5) |
Total |
138
(35.0) |
185
(46.8) |
24
(6.1) |
11
(2.8) |
37
(9.4) |
395 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Table
37. Emergency department disposition by alcohol use for pedestrian-motor
vehicle events.
Emergency
department Dispos. |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Treated
and
Released |
119
(40.0)1 |
129
(43.3) |
17
(5.7) |
22
(7.4) |
11
(3.7) |
298
(57.1)2 |
Admitted |
39
(19.8) |
99
(50.3) |
8
(4.1) |
23
(11.7) |
28
(14.2) |
197
(37.7) |
Fatal |
3
(20.0) |
8
(53.3) |
1
(6.7) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(20.0) |
15
(2.9) |
Other/
Unknown |
3
(25.0) |
7
(58.3) |
2
(16.7) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
12
(2.3) |
Total |
164
(31.4) |
243
(46.6) |
28
(5.4) |
45
(8.6) |
42
(8.1) |
522 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
The tendency
for drinking status to be associated with more serious injury is also
supported by information on the specific locations and types of injuries
sustained. The highest percentages of "had been drinking" were found
among those pedestrians with injuries to the head, chest, and back or
spine, and for those suffering intracranial or other internal injuries.
Pedestrian-Only
Events
Information pertaining to more than 900 pedestrian-only events
is also contained in the emergency department database. Persons injured
in pedestrian-only events were generally less likely to have been drinking
than those struck by motor vehicles. Overall, just under 6 percent of
the pedestrians injured in pedestrian-only events were "indicated as
impaired," while only a little over 1 percent were tested and found
to have a positive blood-alcohol level (see table 31).
Table
38 presents information on alcohol use by the location of the injury
event with respect to the roadway. Overall, only 22 percent of the pedestrian-only
events occurred on the roadway, while 45 percent occurred on sidewalks
and 20 percent in parking lots. Levels of alcohol use were generally
highest for those injured on sidewalks, with 9 percent either indicated
as impaired or tested and found to have been drinking. In contrast,
7 percent of those injured on the roadway were reported as drinking,
and less than 4 percent of those injured in parking lots or driveways
were reported as drinking.
Table
38. Location where injury event occurred by alcohol use for pedestrian-only
events.
Location
of
Injury Event |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Roadway |
108
(57.5)1 |
56
(29.8) |
11
(5.9) |
10
(5.3) |
3
(1.6) |
188
(22.2)2 |
Sidewalk |
164
(42.8) |
177
(46.2) |
28
(7.3) |
6
(1.6) |
8
(2.1) |
383
(45.3) |
Trail/Park/etc. |
16
(48.5) |
15
(45.6) |
2
(6.1) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
33
(3.9) |
Parking
Lot |
108
(65.1) |
49
(29.5) |
4
(2.4) |
5
(3.0) |
0
(0.0) |
166
(19.6) |
Driveway |
35
(66.0) |
16
(30.2) |
2
(3.8) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
53
(6.3) |
Other |
7
(30.4) |
11
(47.8) |
3
(13.0) |
1
(4.4) |
1
(4.4) |
23
(2.7) |
Total |
438
(51.8) |
324
(38.3) |
50
(5.9) |
22
(2.6) |
12
(1.4) |
846 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Unlike
the motor vehicle events, the proportion of adults drinking varied only
slightly among the various age groups (table 39). Just under 13 percent
of the 20-24 age group had been drinking, compared to just over 13 percent
of the 25-44 age group and 11-12 percent of the 45-64 age group. Among
those age 65+, only 3 percent were reported to have been drinking. The
vast majority of all of these were indicated as impaired rather than
tested and drinking. Overall, more than 10 percent of those age 20 and
above had been drinking, compared to 7 percent for all ages combined.
Table
39. Age by alcohol use for pedestrian-only events.
Age
of Pedestrian |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
0-9 |
27
(21.4)1 |
97
(77.0) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(1.6) |
0
(0.0) |
126
(13.9)2 |
10-14 |
60
(50.9) |
53
(44.9) |
1
(0.9) |
3
(2.5) |
1
(0.9 ) |
118
(13.0) |
15-19 |
49
(61.3) |
28
(35.0) |
1
(1.3 ) |
2
(2.5 ) |
0
(0.0) |
80
(8.8) |
20-24 |
32
(58.2) |
14
(25.5) |
6
(10.9) |
2
(3.6) |
1
(1.8) |
55
(6.0) |
25-44 |
124
(54.2) |
70
(30.6) |
26
(11.4) |
5
(2.2) |
4
(1.8) |
229
(25.2) |
45-64 |
100
(57.5) |
49
(28.2) |
15
(8.6) |
5
(2.9) |
5
(2.9) |
174
(19.1) |
65+ |
73
(57.0) |
48
(37.5) |
3
(2.3) |
3
(2.3) |
1
(0.8) |
128
(14.1) |
Total |
465
(51.1) |
359
(39.5) |
52
(5.7) |
22
(2.4) |
12
(1.3) |
910 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Although
the majority of those injured in pedestrian-only events were female,
males were more likely to have been drinking (table 40). More than 10
percent of the males had been drinking, compared to just 4 percent of
the females. For those age 20 and above, 18 percent of the males and
5 percent of the females had been drinking.
Overall,
77 percent of this group of pedestrians were White, 14 percent Black,
and 6 percent Hispanic (table 41). In general, Blacks and Hispanics
were more likely to have been drinking than were Whites: 5 percent of
the White group had been drinking, 10 percent of the Black (more than
9 percent indicated as impaired), and 11 percent of the Hispanic (half
indicated as impaired and half tested and drinking). Above age 20, these
values increased to 9, 17, and 23 percent, respectively.
Table
40. Gender by alcohol use for pedestrian-only events.
Gender
of Pedestrian |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Male |
208
(48.6)1 |
170
(39.7) |
34
(7.9) |
5
(1.2) |
11
(2.6) |
428
(46.7)2 |
Female |
261
(53.4) |
192
(39.3) |
18
(3.7) |
17
(3.5) |
1
(0.2) |
489
(53.3) |
Total |
469
(51.2) |
362
(39.5) |
52
(5.7) |
22
(2.4) |
12
(1.3) |
917 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Table
41. Race by alcohol use for pedestrian-only events.
Race
of Pedestrian |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
White |
391
(55.7)1 |
256
(36.5) |
35
(5.0) |
13
(1.9) |
7
(1.0) |
702
(77.2)2 |
Black |
47
(36.4) |
61
(47.3) |
12
(9.3) |
8
(6.2) |
1
(0.8) |
129
(14.2) |
Hispanic |
17
(31.5) |
30
(55.6) |
3
(5.6) |
1
(1.9) |
3
(5.6) |
54
(6.0) |
Asian |
5
(50.0) |
5
(50.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
10
(1.1) |
American
Indian |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(100.0) |
1
(0.1) |
Other/
Mixed |
6
(46.2) |
5
(38.5) |
2
(15.4) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
13
(1.4) |
Total |
466
(51.3) |
357
(39.3) |
52
(5.7) |
22
(2.4) |
12
(1.3) |
909 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
As
was the case with pedestrian-motor vehicle events, although the vast
majority of the pedestrian-only events occurred during the daytime,
the nighttime events were much more likely to involve alcohol (table
42). One-fourth of those injured between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. had been
drinking (23 percent indicated as impaired) and 53 percent (8 out of
15 cases) of those injured between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. had been drinking
(all indicated as impaired).
Table
42. Time of day by alcohol use for pedestrian-only events.
Time
of Day |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
6
a.m. - 10 a.m. |
73
(62.9)1 |
40
(34.5) |
1
(0.9) |
1
(0.9) |
1
(0.9) |
116
(13.5)2 |
10
a.m. - 2 p.m. |
99
(51.6) |
88
(45.8) |
3
(1.6) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(1.0) |
192
(22.3) |
2
p.m. - 6 p.m. |
151
(56.6) |
104
(39.0) |
9
(3.4) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(1.1) |
267
(31.1) |
6
p.m. - 10 p.m. |
95
(45.2) |
95
(45.2) |
14
(6.7) |
1
(0.5) |
5
(2.4) |
210
(24.4) |
10
p.m. - 2 a.m. |
26
(43.3) |
19
(31.7) |
14
(23.3) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(1.7) |
60
(7.0) |
2
a.m. - 6 a.m. |
4
(26.7) |
3
(20.0) |
8
(53.3) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
15
(1.7) |
Total |
448
(52.1) |
349
(40.6) |
49
(5.7) |
2
(0.2) |
12
(1.4) |
860 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Almost
92 percent of persons injured in pedestrian-only events were treated
and released and 7 percent were admitted to the hospital (table 43).
There were no fatalities. Six percent of those treated and released
had been drinking, compared to 19 percent of those admitted. Pedestrians
with injuries to the head were the most likely to have been drinking,
but unlike the case with pedestrian-motor vehicle events, pedestrian-only
events involving drinking were more likely to be associated with lacerations,
dislocations, and other more superficial injuries.
Pedestrian-Bicycle
Events
There were 21 collisions involving pedestrians and bicycles (table
31). In all of these cases, the pedestrian alcohol use was either unknown
(5 cases) or presumed not impaired (16 cases).
Table
43. Emergency department disposition by alcohol use for pedestrian-only
events.
Emergency
Dept. Dispos. |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Treated
and
Released |
445
(52.7)1 |
329
(39.0) |
43
(5.1) |
20
(2.4) |
8
(1.0) |
845
(91.8)2 |
Admitted |
23
(37.1) |
25
(40.3) |
8
(12.9) |
2
(3.2) |
4
(6.5) |
62
(6.7) |
Fatal |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
Other/
Unknown |
2
(14.3) |
10
(71.4) |
2
(14.3) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
14
(1.5) |
Total |
470
(51.0) |
364
(39.5) |
53
(5.8) |
22
(2.4) |
12
(1.3) |
921
|
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Results
for Injured Bicyclists
Bicycle-Motor
Vehicle Events
A total of 320 cases in the hospital emergency department datafile
involved bicyclists who had collided with motor vehicles (table 31).
For these bicycle-motor vehicle events, 6 percent were indicated as
impaired and 4 percent as testing positive for alcohol (i.e., tested
and drinking). Ten percent were tested and found not to have been drinking,
and alcohol use was either unknown or the bicyclist was presumed not
to be impaired in the remaining 80 percent of the cases. The vast majority
of bicycle-motor vehicle collisions occurred on the roadway, including
all but one of those where the bicyclist had been drinking (table 44).
Bicyclists
of all age groups were reasonably well represented in the data (table
45). Unlike the case with pedestrians, where alcohol involvement peaked
with the 25-44 age group, the proportion of bicyclists drinking was
reasonably constant for the 20-24, 25-44, and 45+ age groups (all around
14-15 percent). There was also more evidence of drinking by younger
bicyclists: nearly 10 percent of the 15-19 age group were reported as
drinking, compared to only 1 percent of the pedestrians in this age
group. Overall, about 15 percent of those above age 20 had been drinking,
compared to 10 percent for all age groups.
Four out
of five bicyclists struck by motor vehicles were male (table 46). Some
11 percent of the males had been drinking, compared to 8 percent of
the females. For those above age 20, 15 percent of the males and 14
percent of the females had been drinking. These gender differences are
less than those found for pedestrians struck by motor vehicles.
Table
44. Location where injury event occurred by alcohol use for bicycle-motor
vehicle events.
Location
of
Injury Event |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Roadway |
110
(39.3)1 |
109
(38.9) |
17
(6.1) |
30
(10.7) |
14
(5.0) |
280
(92.4)2 |
Sidewalk |
9
(60.0) |
6
(40.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
15
(5.0) |
Trail/Park/etc. |
2
(100.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(0.7) |
Parking
Lot |
1
(16.7) |
2
(33.3) |
1
(16.7) |
2
(33.3) |
0
(0.0) |
6
(2.0) |
Driveway |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
Other |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
Total |
122
(40.3) |
117
(38.6) |
18
(6.0) |
32
(10.6) |
14
(4.6) |
303 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Table
45. Age by alcohol use for bicycle-motor vehicle events.
Age
of
Bicyclist |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
0-9 |
7
(19.4)1 |
22
(61.1) |
1
(2.8) |
6
(16.7) |
0
(0.0) |
36
(11.5)2 |
10-14 |
30
(46.9) |
29
(45.3) |
0
(0.0) |
4
(6.3) |
1
(1.6 ) |
64
(20.5) |
15-19 |
19
(46.3) |
16
(39.0) |
3
(7.3) |
2
(4.9 ) |
1
(2.4) |
41
(13.1) |
20-24 |
13
(39.4) |
10
(30.3) |
3
(9.1) |
5
(15.2) |
2
(6.1) |
33
(10.5) |
25-44 |
37
(36.3) |
37
(36.3) |
7
(6.9) |
13
(12.8) |
8
(7.8) |
102
(32.6) |
45+ |
18
(48.6) |
12
(32.4) |
4
(10.8) |
2
(5.4) |
1
(2.7) |
37
(11.8) |
Total |
124
(39.6) |
126
(40.3) |
18
(5.8) |
32
(10.2) |
13
(4.2) |
313 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Table
46. Gender by alcohol use for bicycle-motor vehicle events.
Gender
of Bicyclist |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Male |
104
(40.0)1 |
103
(39.6) |
16
(6.2) |
25
(9.6) |
12
(4.6) |
260
(81.3)2 |
Female |
24
(40.0) |
24
(40.0) |
3
(5.0) |
7
(11.7) |
2
(3.3) |
60
(18.8) |
Total |
128
(40.0) |
127
(39.7) |
19
(5.9) |
32
(10.0) |
14
(4.4) |
320 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Overall,
just over half of the bicyclists were White, with 28 percent Black and
15 percent Hispanic (table 47). More than 9 percent of the Whites had
been drinking, compared to only 3 percent of the Blacks; however, 26
percent of the Hispanics had been drinking (half were indicated as impaired
and half were tested and found to be drinking).
Table
47. Race by alcohol use for bicycle-motor vehicle events.
Race
of Bicyclist |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
White |
74
(43.8)1 |
68
(40.2) |
11
(6.5) |
11
(6.5) |
5
(3.0) |
169
(53.5)2 |
Black |
37
(41.6) |
33
(37.1) |
1
(1.1) |
16
(18.0) |
2
(2.3) |
89
(28.2) |
Hispanic |
12
(26.1) |
19
(41.3) |
6
(13.0) |
3
(6.5) |
6
(13.0) |
46
(14.6) |
Asian |
2
(40.0) |
3
(60.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
5
(1.6) |
American
Indian |
1
(50.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(50.0) |
2
(0.6) |
Other/
Mixed |
1
(20.0) |
3
(60.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(20.0) |
0
(0.0) |
5
(1.6) |
Total |
127
(40.2) |
126
(39.9) |
18
(5.7) |
31
(9.8) |
14
(4.4) |
316 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Examining
time of day, about 36 percent were struck between 2-6 p.m. and another
30 percent between 6-10 p.m. (table 48). Alcohol use was prevalent during
these hours, but more so in late evening and early morning hours. About
11 percent of the bicyclists had been drinking during the 2-6 p.m. and
6-10 p.m. periods, but the percentage increased to 39 percent from 10
p.m.-2 a.m. For those above age 20, 21 percent had been drinking from
2-6 p.m. and 15 percent from 6-10 p.m.
Table
48. Time of day by alcohol use for bicycle-motor vehicle events.
Time of Day |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated As Impaired |
Tested, Not Drinking |
Tested and Drinking |
Total |
6 a.m. - 10 a.m. |
9 (37.5)1 |
11 (45.8) |
0 (0.0) |
3 (12.5) |
1 (4.2) |
24 (8.9)2 |
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
22 (46.8) |
23 (48.9) |
0 (0.0) |
1 (2.1) |
1 (2.1) |
47 (17.5) |
2 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
50 (51.6) |
35 (36.1) |
8 (8.3) |
1 (1.0) |
3 (3.1) |
97 (36.1) |
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. |
29 (35.8) |
38 (46.9) |
4 (4.9) |
5 (6.2) |
5 (6.2) |
81 (30.1) |
10 p.m. - 2 a.m. |
6 (33.3) |
3 (16.7) |
3 (16.7) |
2 (11.1) |
4 (22.2) |
18 (6.7) |
2 a.m. - 6 a.m. |
1 (50.0) |
0 (0.0) |
1 (50.0) |
0 (0.0) |
0 (0.0) |
2 (0.7) |
Total |
117 (43.5) |
110 (40.9) |
16 (6.0) |
12 (4.5) |
14 (5.2) |
269 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Seventy-two
percent of the bicyclists struck by motor vehicles were treated and
released, 22 percent were admitted to the hospital, and less than 2
percent were killed (table 49). About 8 percent of those treated and
released had been drinking, compared to 15 percent of those admitted
for further treatment. One of the five bicyclists killed had also been
indicated as impaired.
Table
49. Emergency department disposition by alcohol use for bicycle-motor
vehicle events.
Emergency
Dept. Dispos. |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and
Drinking |
Total |
Treated
and
Released |
106
(45.9)1 |
89
(38.5) |
15
(6.5) |
18
(7.8) |
3
(1.3) |
231
(72.2)2 |
Admitted |
15
(21.1) |
34
(47.9) |
1
(1.4) |
11
(15.5) |
10
(14.1) |
71
(22.2) |
Fatal |
2
(40.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(20.0) |
2
(40.0) |
0
(0.0) |
5
(1.6) |
Other/
Unknown |
5
(38.5) |
4
(30.8) |
2
(15.4) |
1
(7.7) |
1
(7.7) |
13
(4.1) |
Total |
128
(40.0) |
127
(39.7) |
19
(5.9) |
32
(10.0) |
14
(4.4) |
320 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Bicycle-Only
Events
Some
746 bicyclists were treated in the participating hospital emergency
departments as a result of injuries received from falls or other bicycle-only
events not involving a motor vehicle. Of these, just under 6 percent
had been drinking (table 31). In addition to roadways, sidewalks and
trails were frequent locations for bicycle-only events (table 50). Of
the bicyclists injured on the roadway, 9 percent had been drinking;
however, only 3 percent of those injured on sidewalks had been drinking
and none of those injured on trails had been drinking. Age is clearly
a factor in these results, since young children are more likely to ride
on sidewalks and trails than adults and are also less likely to be drinking.
Table
50. Location where injury event occurred by alcohol use for bicycle-only
events.
Location
of
Injury Event |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Roadway |
136
(39.2)1 |
154
(44.4) |
24
(6.9) |
26
(7.5) |
7
(2.0) |
347
(56.8)2 |
Sidewalk |
33
(25.2) |
90
(68.7) |
1
(0.8) |
4
(3.1) |
3
(2.3) |
131
(21.4) |
Trail/Park/etc. |
24
(31.6) |
49
(64.5) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(4.0) |
0
(0.0) |
76
(12.4) |
Parking
Lot |
7
(41.2) |
8
(47.1) |
2
(11.8) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
17
(2.8) |
Driveway |
7
(28.0) |
15
(60.0) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(12.0) |
0
(0.0) |
25
(4.1) |
Other/
Unknown |
5
(33.3) |
9
(60.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(6.7) |
0
(0.0) |
15
(2.5) |
Total
|
212
(34.7) |
325
(53.2) |
27
(4.4) |
37
(6.1) |
10
(1.6) |
611 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Information
pertaining to bicyclist age is contained in table 51. Over half of the
bicyclists were under the age of 15, and a third were under age 10.
Alcohol was generally not a factor in the injuries to bicyclists under
age 20. However, alcohol was involved in approximately 14-17 percent
of the injury events to bicyclists in the 20-24, 25-44, and 45-64 age
groups. Overall, nearly 15 percent of those age 20 and above had been
drinking, compared to less than 6 percent for all age groups.
Table
51. Age by alcohol use for bicycle-only events.
Age
of Bicyclist |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
0-9 |
37
(15.6)1 |
177
(74.7) |
1
(0.4) |
22
(9.3) |
0
(0.0) |
237
(32.1)2 |
10-14 |
58
(36.5) |
86
(54.1) |
0
(0.0) |
14
(8.8) |
1
(0.6 ) |
159
(21.5) |
15-19 |
38
(50.0) |
30
(39.5) |
2
(2.6) |
6
(7.9) |
0
(0.0) |
76
(10.3) |
20-24 |
24
(33.8) |
29
(40.9) |
9
(12.7) |
6
(8.5) |
3
(4.2) |
71
(9.6) |
25-44 |
67
(50.0) |
45
(33.6) |
15
(11.2) |
3
(2.2) |
4
(3.0) |
134
(18.1) |
45-64 |
18
(41.9) |
15
(34.9) |
5
(11.6) |
3
(7.0) |
2
(4.7) |
43
(5.8) |
65+ |
6
(31.6) |
10
(52.6) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(10.5) |
1
(5.3) |
19
(2.6) |
Total |
248
(33.6) |
392
(53.0) |
32
(4.3) |
56
(7.6) |
11
(1.5) |
739 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Seventy
percent of the bicyclists were male. Nearly 8 percent of the males had
been drinking, compared to only 2 percent of the females (table 52).
For those age 20 and above, 18 percent of the males had been drinking,
and 5 percent of the females had been drinking.
Table
52. Gender by alcohol use for bicycle-only events.
Gender
of Bicyclist |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Male |
185
(35.7)1 |
256
(49.4) |
28
(5.4) |
38
(7.3) |
11
(2.1) |
518
(70.1)2 |
Female |
62
(28.1) |
137
(62.0) |
4
(1.8) |
18
(8.1) |
0
(0.0) |
221
(29.9) |
Total |
247
(33.4) |
393
(53.2) |
32
(4.3) |
56
(7.6) |
11
(1.5) |
739 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Overall,
71 percent of this group of bicyclists were White, 13 percent Black,
and 11 percent Hispanic (table 53). Five to six percent of the Whites
had been drinking, compared to 8 percent of Blacks and Hispanics. Above
age 20, these values increased to 13, 23, and 24 percent, respectively.
Table
53. Race by alcohol use for bicycle-only events.
Race
of Bicyclist |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
White |
175
(34.3)1 |
273
(53.4) |
20
(3.9) |
35
(6.9) |
8
(1.6) |
511
(70.6)2 |
Black |
34
(35.8) |
35
(36.8) |
6
(6.3) |
18
(19.0) |
2
(2.1) |
95
(13.1) |
Hispanic |
23
(29.1) |
49
(62.0) |
6
(7.6) |
1
(1.3) |
0
(0.0) |
79
(10.9) |
Asian |
5
(23.8) |
15
(71.4) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(4.8) |
21
(2.9) |
American
Indian |
1
(100.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(0.1) |
Other/
Mixed |
4
(23.5) |
11
(64.7) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(11.8) |
0
(0.0) |
17
(2.4) |
Total |
242
(33.4) |
383
(52.9) |
32
(4.4) |
56
(7.7) |
11
(1.5) |
724 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Examining
time of day, although the greatest number of bicycle-only events occurred
from 2-6 p.m., most of those involving alcohol occurred from 6-10 p.m.,
and the rate of alcohol involvement was highest late at night and
during the early morning hours (table 54). Ten percent of the bicyclists
injured from 6-10 p.m. had been drinking, increasing to nearly 23 percent
of those injured from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. For age 20 and above, 47 percent
of those injured between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. had been drinking.
Table
54. Time of day by alcohol use for bicycle-only events.
Time
of Day |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
6
a.m. - 10 a.m. |
9
(34.6)1 |
16
(61.5) |
1
(3.9) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
26
(4.3)2 |
10
a.m. - 2 p.m. |
37
(36.6) |
63
(62.4) |
1
(1.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
101
(16.6) |
2
p.m. - 6 p.m. |
96
(38.7) |
145
(58.5) |
5
(2.0) |
0
(0.0) |
2
(0.8) |
248
(40.7) |
6
p.m. - 10 p.m. |
62
(31.0) |
117
(58.5) |
12
(6.0) |
1
(0.5) |
8
(4.0) |
200
(32.8) |
10
p.m. - 2 a.m. |
13
(41.9) |
11
(35.5) |
6
(19.4) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(3.2) |
31
(5.1) |
2
a.m. - 6 a.m. |
1
(33.3) |
1
(33.3) |
1
(33.3) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
3
(0.5) |
Total |
218
(35.8) |
353
(58.0) |
26
(4.3) |
1
(0.2) |
11
(1.8) |
609 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Nearly
88 percent of the injured bicyclists were treated and released and 8
percent were admitted to the hospital (table 55). There was one fatality.
Contrary to findings for other categories of injury events, those bicyclists
who were admitted to the hospital as the result of a fall or other bicycle-only
event were not more likely to have been drinking: about 6 percent of
those treated and released had been drinking, compared to 3 percent
of those admitted. Both percentages more than doubled for bicyclists
age 20 and above.
Table
55. Emergency department disposition by alcohol use for bicycle-only
events.
Emergency
Dept. Dispos. |
Unknown |
Presumed
Not Impaired |
Indicated
As Impaired |
Tested,
Not Drinking |
Tested
and Drinking |
Total |
Treated
and
Released |
227
(34.8)1 |
335
(51.3) |
28
(4.3) |
52
(8.0) |
11
(1.7) |
653
(87.5)2 |
Admitted |
15
(23.8) |
42
(66.7) |
2
(3.2) |
4
(6.4) |
0
(0.0) |
63
(8.5) |
Fatal |
0
(0.0) |
1
(100.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
1
(0.1) |
Other/
Unknown |
8
(27.6)1 |
19
(65.5) |
2
(6.9) |
0
(0.0) |
0
(0.0) |
29
(3.9) |
Total |
250
(33.5) |
397
(53.2) |
32
(4.3) |
56
(7.5) |
11
(1.5) |
746 |
1
Percentage
of row total. 2 Percentage of column total.
Bicycle-Bicycle
Events
There were 28 instances of one bicycle striking another. Two of
the injured bicyclists (7 percent) had been drinking.
Summary
of Results
Results
for the pedestrian and bicyclist groups can be summarized as follows:
Pedestrian-Motor
Vehicle Events
- The
vast majority of pedestrians who had been drinking were struck on
the roadway.
- Overall,
14 percent had been drinking.
- 32 percent
of the 25-44 age group and 22 percent of the 45-64 age group had been
drinking.
- Males
were more likely to have been drinking than females.
- Alcohol
use was more prevalent during the late evening and early morning hours.
- 9 percent
of the pedestrians who were treated and released had been drinking,
compared to 18 percent of those admitted to the hospital and 27 percent
of those killed.
Pedestrian-Only
Events
- About
60 percent of the pedestrians who had been drinking were injured on
a sidewalk.
- Overall,
7 percent had been drinking.
- 13 percent
of the 20-24 and 25-44 age groups had been drinking, and 11 percent
of the 45-64 age group had been drinking.
- Males
were more likely to have been drinking than females.
- 10 percent
of Blacks and 11 percent of Hispanics had been drinking, compared
to 6 percent of Whites.
- Alcohol
use was more prevalent during the late evening and early morning hours.
- 6 percent
of the pedestrians who were treated and released had been drinking,
compared to 19 percent of those admitted to the hospital.
Bicycle-Motor
Vehicle Events
- Virtually
all of the bicyclists who had been drinking were struck on the roadway.
- Overall,
11 percent had been drinking.
- About
15 percent of the 20-24, 25-44, and 45-64 year groups had been drinking
(10 percent of the 15-19 age group had been drinking).
- Overall,
males were more likely than females to have been drinking, but above
age 20, there was no difference in the male-female percentage.
- 9 percent
of Whites, 3 percent of Blacks, and 26 percent of Hispanics had been
drinking.
- Alcohol
use was more prevalent during the late evening and early morning hours.
- 8 percent
of the bicyclists who were treated and released had been drinking,
compared to 15 percent of those admitted to the hospital.
Bicycle-Only
Events
- Over
80 percent of bicyclists who had been drinking were injured on the
roadway.
- Overall,
6 percent had been drinking.
- 14 to
17 percent of the 20-24, 25-44, and 45-64 age groups had been drinking,
but only 5 percent of the 65+ age group had been drinking.
- Males
were more likely than females to have been drinking.
- Five
percent of Whites and 8 percent of Blacks and Hispanics had been drinking.
- Alcohol
use was more prevalent during the late evening and early morning hours.
- Six
percent of the injured bicyclists who were treated and released had
been drinking, compared to 3 percent of those admitted to the hospital.
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