OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of personality disorders (PDs) to deaths of drivers in fatal motor vehicle accidents, and analyse gender differences in lifetime psychiatric disorders and medico-legal findings at the time of accident.
METHODS: The study sample consisted of 4,810 Finnish drivers killed in fatal motor vehicle accidents in Finland between 1990 and 2011. Doctor-diagnosed PD was found in 146 drivers (118 men, 28 women). The information of psychiatric morbidity was obtained from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care.
RESULTS: The proportion of deceased drivers with PDs had increased significantly over the study period, particularly among females and those with PD NOS. Suicidality and use of medication affecting driving ability was more common among females with PD compared to males with PD. 88% of all deceased drivers with PD had comorbid psychiatric disorders.
CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that PDs may predispose drivers to fatal motor vehicle accidents, particularly females. This study emphasize the importance of evaluating the fitness-to drive of subjects with PD and especially comorbid substance use disorders, which may relate to an increased risk of fatal motor accidents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Language: en
Keywords
Personality disorder; mortality; substance use disorders