Vets face another danger: civilian driving

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WASHINGTON, May 6 (UPI) -- Returning U.S. soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan die in car crashes at a 75 percent higher rate than the average driver, researchers said.

From 1999 to 2012, more soldiers died in combat and civilian car crashes (4,423) than in the Iraq war (4,409), the Washington Post said Sunday.

Researchers said the reasons are two-fold. First, soldiers bring back driving habits that are sometimes life-saving in war zones but dangerous on American roads -- things like rushing through intersections, swerving, straddling lanes and not wearing seat belts to allow for a faster escape.

Second, post-traumatic stress disorder can lead soldiers to flash back to combat zone experiences. It can also lead to greater instances of drunk driving and thrill-seeking, many soldiers and mental health experts told the researchers.

The danger is far greater for returning male soldiers, though women are still at a substantial risk of dying behind the wheel compared to civilians. Male soldiers die at a 76 percent higher rate; female soldiers die at a 43 percent higher rate, researchers said.

The study was conducted by Han K. Kang, an epidemiologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs