Factors Related to Blood Alcohol Concentration in Deceased Drivers from Road Traffic Accidents: A Study in Mueang Sisaket District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a significant public health problem in Thailand, with alcohol consumption being a major contributing factor. However, empirical data regarding blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and associated factors among RTA fatalities in Si Sa Ket province remain limited.

Objectives: To determine BAC levels and identify factors associated with BAC among RTA fatalities.

Methods: A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 35 RTA fatalities at Si Sa Ket Hospital from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Data were extracted from medical and forensic autopsy reports. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were employed for analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The median BAC was 174.0 mg/dL (IQR 20.0-263.5), with 43.7% of fatalities having a BAC ≥ 200 mg/dL. Factors significantly associated with higher BAC included gender, time of accident, and collision characteristics. Males had a significantly higher median BAC than females (199.0 (86.8-270.0) mg/dL vs 5.0 (5.0-14.0) mg/dL, p = 0.0005). Fatalities occurring at night had a significantly higher median BAC than those during the day (201.0 (102.5-263.5) mg/dL vs 19.0 (5.0-239.5) mg/dL, p = 0.045). Single-vehicle accidents (no collision partner) had the highest median BAC compared to those involving another vehicle (234.0 (149.0-285.5) mg/dL, p = 0.021). 

Conclusion: RTA fatalities in Si Sa Ket province exhibit extremely high BAC levels, particularly among males and nighttime incidents. These findings support the implementation of targeted prevention strategies and stricter law enforcement focusing on high-risk groups and peak-risk periods.