Risk factors associated with the driver:
(1) male
(2) young adult (24 to 34 years of age)
(3) alcohol present or history of misuse
(3) recent psychosocial stress (domestic, job-related, other)
(4) depression or other mental disorder
(5) history of a previous suicide attempt (including a single vehicle car accident)
(6) impulsive
(7) low stress tolerance
Risk factors associated with the type of accident:
(1) single vehicle (involving a tree, pole or bridge support) or into a large truck
(2) absence of skid marks or evidence that there was a loss of control
(3) head-on collision (driven right into whatever was hit)
(4) seat belt not being worn
(5) single occupant crash
The authors estimate that 1 in 15 (6%) of vehicular accidents are attempted suicide.
