People sometimes ask me if drunks do better in an accident. We all know a few “miraculous” cases of an intoxicated person walking away with minor injuries from a major accident.

First things first, driving drunk is stupid, irresponsible and even criminal. Operating any machinery while intoxicated will significantly increase the risk of an accident. Most patients with severe injuries that we see in the trauma unit were intoxicated at the time of accident.

Now, let’s look at a flip side of this issue. If you are in an accident, is it better to be drunk or sober?

The answer may surprise you – being drunk might actually save your life.

A study published in the Journal of Trauma indicates that positive high alcohol level improves survival from isolated traumatic brain injury by 40%.

One possible explanation for this finding is that alcohol in moderate doses may have a neuroprotective effect. Intoxication with alcohol may blunt the effect of a catecholamine surge, protecting against the detrimental effects of the overwhelming stress response.

The take home message is – try to avoid an accident, but if you are in one, being really drunk might save your life.