RESUMO
Traffic accidents and amphetamine stimulators: a case study of road transportation companies in the state of Santa Catarina
Orientadora: Drª Eunice Passaglia
Zeferino MT. Acidentes de trânsito e os estimulantes do tipo anfetaminas: estudo de caso junto às empresas de transporte rodoviário de cargas no estado de Santa Catarina [dissertação]. Florianópolis (SC): Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Civil/UFSC; 2004.
This objective of this dissertation is to discuss the traffic in Brazil, as well as its main consequences and factors of risk which compete for the existence of the accident. Information concerning the use of stimulants like amphetamines was gathered in order to approach possible relationships among the use of these drugs by professional drivers (truck drivers) and the traffic accidents involving this professional category. The methodology is based on bibliographical research, and field research involving companies of heavy transportation in the State of Santa Catarina. The study collected and analyzed data on accidentality, use of drugs -mainly stimulants like amphetamines- and the existence of preventive actions related to the use of these drugs. According to the results, 96% of the researched companies had already suffered traffic accidents, resulting in death or permanent lesion of the company's driver. This accidentality index can be influenced by drug use, because 48% of the companies answered that their drivers make use of drugs, and of these, 65% evidenced the use of amphetamines called "rivets" by the truck drivers. The data also showed that 82% of the companies take preventive actions which focus on truck drivers. However, the need for reassessment of the methods applied by the companies has been verified, because despite the accomplished actions, they were involved in traffic accidents. The researched companies suggested improving the drivers' safety on highways through continuous education and control of the truck drivers' schedules, besides the surveillance of highways and revision of the freight prices. The statistics mentioned in the body of the work show that the traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death in Brazil, representing a serious problem of public health, not only for the loss of life and the resulting problems, but also for their costs, which cause a substantial onus for the society. This dissertation's intention is to present important studies and research on the subject in the Country, besides the theoretical foundation which shows the effects of amphetamines in the human organism, mainly those concerning the alteration of the individual's perceptions and reactions, which could interfere in the driver's defensive driving, a risk factor for the truck drivers involvement in traffic accidents. Amphetamines provoke effects which range from inhibition of sleep, lack of appetite, agitation, midriasis (dilation of the pupils), fast heartbeat, vertigo, blurred vision, hallucinations, and to even coma and death. These effects debilitate the driver perceptive capacity and decision-making, reducing his precision of motor skills, and can lead the truck driver to involvement in traffic accidents. This dissertation intends to foster a better understanding of the subject by the authorities and community, as well as to aid decision-makers in the resolution of this problem.
Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
06 Aug 2008 -
Date of issue
Sept 2005
