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<p>Road traffic injuries remain a major global public health challenge and a leading cause of preventable mortality. Botswana continues to experience a substantial burden of fatal road traffic crashes (RTCs), and alcohol use is an important contextual risk factor. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of detectable post-mortem blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among fatal RTC victims in Botswana. We conducted a nationwide retrospective descriptive analysis of forensic pathology data for 465 fatal RTC victims recorded over a one-year period from November 2016 to October 2017. Most victims were male (72.3%), and the highest proportion of deaths occurred among individuals aged 18–35 years (44.7%). Fatal RTCs occurred more frequently on weekends (63.0%) than on weekdays, and a seasonal peak was observed in December (18.0%). Post-mortem BAC analysis showed that 43.0% of victims had detectable ethanol (≥ 0.01&#xa0;g/100 mL). Fatalities were also concentrated during evening and night-time hours (18:00–05:59), which accounted for 62.0% of all cases. Detectable BAC was observed not only among drivers but also among pedestrians and passengers, indicating that alcohol was present across several categories of road users. These findings support strengthened enforcement of existing BAC legislation, targeted prevention strategies for high-risk groups and time periods, and further research on the contribution of other psychoactive substances to road traffic fatalities in Botswana.</p>

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Epidemiological characteristics of detectable post-mortem alcohol among fatal road traffic crash victims in Botswana

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月19日

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  • Shathani Mugoma,
  • Baboloki Helen Tumediso,
  • Leano Phetogo,
  • Mukeba Nkashama,
  • Gosaitse Thokwana,
  • Mogolodi Gabolwelwe,
  • Kaone Panzirah-Mabaka,
  • Neo Maimela,
  • Thato Moses Patlakwe

摘要

Road traffic injuries remain a major global public health challenge and a leading cause of preventable mortality. Botswana continues to experience a substantial burden of fatal road traffic crashes (RTCs), and alcohol use is an important contextual risk factor. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of detectable post-mortem blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among fatal RTC victims in Botswana. We conducted a nationwide retrospective descriptive analysis of forensic pathology data for 465 fatal RTC victims recorded over a one-year period from November 2016 to October 2017. Most victims were male (72.3%), and the highest proportion of deaths occurred among individuals aged 18–35 years (44.7%). Fatal RTCs occurred more frequently on weekends (63.0%) than on weekdays, and a seasonal peak was observed in December (18.0%). Post-mortem BAC analysis showed that 43.0% of victims had detectable ethanol (≥ 0.01 g/100 mL). Fatalities were also concentrated during evening and night-time hours (18:00–05:59), which accounted for 62.0% of all cases. Detectable BAC was observed not only among drivers but also among pedestrians and passengers, indicating that alcohol was present across several categories of road users. These findings support strengthened enforcement of existing BAC legislation, targeted prevention strategies for high-risk groups and time periods, and further research on the contribution of other psychoactive substances to road traffic fatalities in Botswana.