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Impressum
Impairment of safety in navigation caused by alcohol: impact on visual function
1Grütters G., 1Reichelt J. A, 3Grütters M., 2Ritz-Timme S., 2Kaatsch H. J.
1Univ.-Augenklinik, Hegewischstraße 2, D-24105 Kiel; 2Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Arnold-Heller-Straße 12, D-24105 Kiel; 3Med. Univ.-Klinik, Schittenhelmstraße 12, D-24105 Kiel
Objective: So far, there exist no legally binding standards for
blood alcohol concentration that prove an impairment of navigability.
Aim of our interdisciplinary project in cooperation with internal specialists,
psychologists and forensic scientists was to obtain data in order to identify
critical blood alcohol limits. In this context the visual system seems
to be of decisive importance.
Methods: Nine professional skippers of sea navigation underwent
realistic navigational demands soberly and alcoholized in a sea traffic
simulator. Nautical operations, vegetative function and psychological
data were evaluated before, during simulation and also afterwards. Following
parameters were considered: visual acuity, stereopsis, color vision and
accommodation.
Results: Blood alcohol levels in this study were inbetween 0.51-1.12‰
when simulation started. Under alcohol each skipper self-assessed to be
completely capable to navigate. While simulations were running, all of
the skippers made nautical mistakes or underestimated dangerous situations.
Severe impairment in visual acuity or binocular function could not be
found. In 8 out of 9 test persons accommodation decreased by an average
of 16.7%. In the test of colour vision three skippers made mistakes under
the influence of alcohol. Time needed for this test was prolonged in 4
skippers.
Conclusion: Analysis of the data revealed deteriorated estimation
of dangers and inadequate behaviour during voyage simulation under the
influence of alcohol. Changes in visual function as well as vegetative
and psychological reactions could be the cause of mistakes in nautical
demands. Therefore, alcohol is to be regarded as severe risk factor for
security in sea navigation.