Bicycle helmet prevalence two years after the introduction of mandatory use legislation for under 18 year olds in Alberta, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in helmet use in cyclists following the introduction of a bicycle helmet law for children under age 18. METHODS: Cyclists were observed by two independent observers from July to August 2004 (post-legislation) in Edmonton, Alberta. The data were compared with a similar survey completed at the same locations and days in July to August 2000 (pre-legislation). Data were collected for 271 cyclists in 2004 and 699 cyclists in 2000. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of helmet use increased from 43% (95% CI 39 to 47%) in 2000 to 53% (95% CI 47 to 59%) in 2004. Helmet use increased in those under 18, but did not change in those 18 and older. In the cluster adjusted multivariate Poisson regression model, the prevalence of helmet use significantly increased for those under age 18 (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) 3.69, 95% CI 2.65 to 5.14), but not for those 18 years and older (APR 1.17, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.43). CONCLUSION: Extension of legislation to all age groups should be considered.

Nighttime impaired driving in rural Alberta.

A nighttime roadside survey of rural Alberta drivers was conducted to quantify the nature and extent of impaired driving on Alberta's rural roads during nighttime. The survey also sought to describe driver demographics and information about the trip, such as origin and destination, among rural Alberta's nighttime drivers. Surveys were administered to drivers of vehicles that were randomly sampled at rural locations in Alberta between the hours of 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM between 22 August and 1 September 2001. Drivers who agreed to participate were asked a series of short questions. The interview concluded with the driver providing a breath sample to measure the driver's BAC level. Of the drivers surveyed, 3% had a BAC that was over the legal limit of 80 mg%. A total of 13% of drivers tested had detectable amounts of alcohol in their system.