Alcohol use impairs brain functioning, muscle coordination and reasoning鈥攁ll factors that are necessary to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
And it doesn鈥檛 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, 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)
鈥淎ntegrade 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,鈥� Elfeel, a student with plans to attend dental school, said. 鈥淭his 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.鈥�
Elfeel鈥檚 literature review didn鈥檛 focus on college students, per se, but she does note that they are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes drinking and driving.
鈥淭he prevalence of alcohol abuse on college campuses underscores the need for targeted interventions in educational settings,鈥� said Elfeel, a student in USF鈥檚 Judy Genshaft Honors College. 鈥淲hile 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.鈥�
While Elfeel鈥檚 thesis didn鈥檛 turn up any surprises鈥攊t鈥檚 been long been established that drinking impairs driving鈥攕he thinks initiating targeted anti-drunk driving campaigns on college campuses can make the road safer for communities.
鈥淔ocusing on the intersection of alcohol consumption, car crashes and college students is vital for public health,鈥� Elfeel said. 鈥淚t offers the potential for improved safety, well-being and interventions tailored to the unique risks faced by this demographic.鈥�