The Social Cost of Drinking and Driving in the City of São Paulo

In this study, we assessed the cost of drinking and driving in the city of São Paulo/SP, Brazil in 2008 using a cost-of-illness assessment. The estimated social cost of drinking-and-driving” varied from 239 million to 283 million BRL in 2008. Although the costs were underestimated due to the scarcity of available data, the present study succeeded in establishing a close approximation of the expenses associated with drinking and driving in São Paulo. Further studies on this topic would be valuable because they could educate policy decision-makers about the need for investments for preventive actions. In addition, data in governmental agencies’ databases should be improved.