Traffic accidents, which are often associated with speeding, and the problems associated with consumption of alcoholic beverages are two major public health concerns in Brazil. These problems may be associated, as in the case of drunk driving, but they also occur independently. Commercial advertising is one of the factors that have an impact on these issues. The influence of advertising on many health issues, including alcohol consumption and traffic safety plays a role that has been continuously investigated and understood. Public and private sectors in Brazil have an influence on the advertising regulation, which is still mainly performed by industry self-regulation. This paper presents a general framework on the subject. In addition, faced with the social and economic hazards resulting from alcohol consumption and traffic accidents, it discusses the role of communication means, its social responsibility and the limits of self-regulation.
Traffic accidents; speed; media; alcohol and advertising