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, including 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.     

Short sleep duration,sleep disorders,and traffic accidents

Sleepiness is an important factor in traffic accidents caused by human error. The purpose of this paper is to review a number of studies conducted over the years regarding the effect of the lack of sleep on the incidence of traffic accidents as well as the individual effects of various sleep disorders on accidents. In addition, we discuss recent advances in methods of detecting sleepiness and strategies for preventing traffic accident by using these methods.