[Change in the drinking behavior in Central Switzerland over two decades].

Based on the medical recordings registered during blood sampling of drunken drivers of the years 1971 and 1989 the changes of drinking behaviour in Switzerland was examined. An increase of female drivers under the influence of alcohol was noted. The younger drivers under 30, which were the most represented in all the age groups, showed a decrease in the average blood alcohol value. Due to the facts, the most blood samples were taken by forensic physicians rather than private physicians a much better information was gained concerning the substances drunken and the times of drinking. The evaluation of final drinking hours, critical incidents and time of blood sampling showed a tendency to post-midnight hours.