Use of Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks Increases the Prevalence of Driving Violations among Brazilian Truck Drivers

Abstract

Background: The use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has been reported to be associated with a variety of unsafe driving practices. Truck drivers are vulnerable to driving violations, particularly because of their engagement in drug use. The use of AmED among these professionals remains unknown. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of AmED use and its association with driving violations among truck drivers. Methods: 684 drivers were recruited in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The use of drugs was reported. Drivers were split into three groups: (a) alcohol abstainers (AA); (b) alcohol-only users (AO); and (c) users of AmED. Intergroup comparisons were performed by polynomial logistic regression (the reference category was AO). We also performed Poisson regression analysis to obtain the prevalence ratio; the significance level was stipulated at 5%. Results: The prevalence of drivers reporting the use of AmED was 16.8%. Users of AmED (a) were younger, (b) were less experienced drivers, (c) had a heavier pattern of alcohol use, (d) used illicit drugs more frequently, and (e) had poorer sleep quality than AO subjects. A higher prevalence of drivers who had arguments or fights while driving (PR = 1.71) and of drivers who drove unbelted (PR = 1.66) ingested AmED than of AO subjects. Conclusions/importance: The use of AmED increased the prevalence of driving violations beyond the risks commonly attributed to alcohol use. We suggest additional investments in preventative measures based on the beverage category and a revision of the work organization of truck drivers to reduce their health and social risks.

Keywords:

• Ethanol
• energy drinks
• traffic accidents
• primary prevention
• alcohol-related disorders

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank the Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo, FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo-FAPESP; grant number 2011/11682-0) for their financial support. We also thank the Social Transport Service (SEST) and the National Transport Learning Service (SENAT) for the authorization to use three of its service stations for accessing the target population used in this study and the LIM-40 USP. The funding source(s) had no involvement in the following activities: the study design; the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data; the writing of the report; and the decision to submit this article for publication.