Cavan hospital notes an increase in alcohol-related road trafficcollisions

National road traffic collision (RTC) figures are on a downward trend. However, anecdotal evidence from emergency department (ED) staff at Cavan/Monaghan Hospital Group indicates that the number of collisions resulting in serious injuries in Cavan and Monaghan has increased in recent months. Mr Ashraf Butt, lead consultant in emergency medicine, Cavan/Monaghan Hospital Group, is particularly concerned about the number of collisions where alcohol was involved and seatbelts weren't worn. National figures from the Gardaí show that in 2010 there were 212 road fatalities; in 2011 there were 186. As of 11 December, 2012 there were 154 deaths on Irish roads. Garda statistics also show that the number of drink-driving arrests is decreasing; the total national figure was 12,500 in 2010. So far this year there have been 6,400 arrests. However, in contrast to this overall decline, the number of road fatalities in Cavan Monaghan increased over the same time period. Eight people died in RTCs in Cavan and Monaghan in 2010. The following year 11 people lost their lives. To-date this year, 12 fatalities have occurred on the roads of Cavan and Monaghan. Speaking about the number of alcohol-related ED presentations at Cavan Monaghan Hospital Group, Mr Ashraf Butt said: "Lately in the ED we have seen an increase in the number of RTC patients who have been driving under the influence of alcohol and the majority of these patients were not wearing seatbelts". Data* from Cavan General Hospital's emergency department IT system shows that there were 618 RTC-related presentations in 2010; 534 were recorded in 2011. To date in 2012 there have been 548 RTC-related presentations in Cavan General Hospital. Inspector Patrick J McMorrow from the Garda Traffic Corp Monaghan Garda Station stressed "many of the crashes that we deal with involved single occupants. They occur early in the morning and in some case seatbelts were not worn". He also stated that alcohol and speed are contributing factors to collisions. "We strongly urge drivers to reduce speed and never drink and drive. This will save lives." Mr Ashraf Butt is particularly concerned about the number of patients presenting to the ED in Cavan General with serious injuries. Describing these he said: "Injuries involve severe head injuries with loss of consciousness, spinal injuries with risk of paralysis, severe crush injuries to the chest, abdominal organ injuries with ruptured viscera and multiple long bone fractures." The message from Mr Butt and the Gardaí in Cavan Monaghan this Christmas is - slow down, wear your seat belt properly and never ever drink and drive.