Alcohol use impairs brain functioning, muscle coordination and reasoning—all factors that are necessary to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
And it doesn’t take much to cause impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Transportation Administration, a blood alcohol concentration of just .02 (below the legal limit) can cause problems with judgment and visual tracking.
As part of her thesis project, USF College of Public Health undergraduate student Amira Elfeel performed a literature review of articles and government resources assessing variables related to traffic accidents and alcohol consumption. She specifically looked at the antegrade and retrograde estimation of blood alcohol impairment.
BSPH student Amira Elfeel. (Photo courtesy of Elfeel)
“Antegrade represents a methodological development and retrograde refers to the forward progression of alcohol effects, encompassing the timeline of absorption, metabolism and subsequent impacts on cognitive and motor functions,” Elfeel, a BSPH student with plans to attend dental school, said. “This involves the impairment of memories and events occurring before a certain level of alcohol intoxication. For instance, individuals with a high blood-alcohol concentration may experience impaired balance and coordination while under the influence. Together, antegrade and retrograde estimation provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the physiological and cognitive effects of alcohol consumption on individuals.”
Elfeel’s literature review didn’t focus on college students, per se, but she does note that they are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes drinking and driving.
“The prevalence of alcohol abuse on college campuses underscores the need for targeted interventions in educational settings,” said Elfeel, a student in USF’s Judy Genshaft Honors College. “While the issue of alcohol-related car crashes has been a long-standing concern, its relevance persists due to evolving societal attitudes and behaviors, necessitating ongoing research and interventions to address current challenges.”
While Elfeel’s thesis didn’t turn up any surprises—it’s been long been established that drinking impairs driving—she thinks initiating targeted anti-drunk driving campaigns on college campuses can make the road safer for communities.
“Focusing on the intersection of alcohol consumption, car crashes and college students is vital for public health,” Elfeel said. “It offers the potential for improved safety, well-being and interventions tailored to the unique risks faced by this demographic.”