Alcohol and traffic accidents in Japan

Alcohol induces many traffic accidents. Recently, the number of incidences of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) has decreased in Japan; however, the number of drink-driving situations remains constant. Toughening the penalty has not been a particularly effective method for reducing the number of DUIAs. To reduce accidents resulting from DUIA, an approach other than sanctions may be necessary. Alcohol impairs attentional control for simple tasks and increases the propensity for risk-taking behavior; these are the major perils of DUIA. There are many risk factors for DUIA, induding area, time, personal traits, the use of other substances, and alcohol use disorder. Each individual has a different risk factor for drink-driving, so it is important to provide more education for individuals and interventions for alcohol usage according to each risk factor. (C) 2018 International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd.