Citation

Mebs D, Von Luepke H, Gerchow J. Blutalkohol 1977; 14(5): 331-345.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Personal data (age, sex, profession, reasons for arrest) and results of blood alcohol determination of young delinquents (13-20 years old) were statistically evaluated. The study covered the first six months of 1961, 1968, 1972 and 1976 in the metropolitan area of Frankfurt and surroundings in West-Germany. Of the total material, the age group 13-20 years represents 9-13%. Comparing the proportional distribution of each particular age group, that of the 15 to 18 year olds shows a considerable increase, that of the 19 and 20 year olds a decrease. During the period of investigation the proportion of traffic and criminal offences was remarkably constant: 64 and 36%. Traffic accidents represented 62-67%, drunken driving 33-38%. Of the criminal offences crimes against property (thefts or burglary) dominated, followed by crimes of violence. In the distribution of blood alcohol concentration a remarkable tendency towards higher values, around 0.2%, is observed which is independent of the age or the type of offence. The study confirms the alarming trend observed in recent years of an increasing number of young alcohol consumers and abusers: they drink more and at an earlier age.