@article{ref1,
title="Asthma-associated road traffic accidents in the UAE",
journal="Journal of traffic medicine",
year="1998",
author="Al-Falasi, A. S. and Achan, N. V. and Brebner, John and Norman, J. N. and Bener, Abdulbari",
volume="26",
number="3-4",
pages="109-114",
abstract="Objective: To shed some light on the asthmatic condition and medication associated with road traffic accidents (RTAs) in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A prospective study at Al-Ain Medical Health District involved driver patients aged 18 years and above who were seen for accidents and trauma during the period 1 January to 31 December 1994. The main outcome measures were asthma severity as causes (associated) of the trauma. Results: 1,395 vehicle drivers were seen and treated, but only 1,261 drivers (90.3%) responded to the study. Fifty-three drivers (4.2%) had asthmatic conditions in association with RTAs, a higher proportion being relevant for motorways. Fifty-four percent admitted driving at excessive speeds, 30% smoke while driving, 34% use phones while driving and have a child in the front seat, and 28% had been previously involved in RTAs. 40.9% had at least one asthmatic attack within each month. A comparison of drivers showed a significantly higher risk for careless driving [RR=2.06; 95% CI=1.21-3.48, p lt 0.007] and speed violations [RR=2.97; 95% CI=1.66-5.33; p lt 0.0002] among asthmatic drivers. However, property damage, alcohol and drugs did not show significant association with accident risk. Conclusion: More public awareness needs to be drawn to the dangers of driving while having difficulty with asthmatic conditions.<p />",
language="en",
issn="0345-5564",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}