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3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and driving impairment
1Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services, Washington State Patrol, Seattle 98134, USA. blogan@wsp.wa.gov
Abstract:
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, is increasing in popularity in the United States as a drug of abuse. It has stimulant and empathogenic mood altering properties with the potential to affect psychomotor skills and impact driving. This report reviews the literature relating to the relevant psychomotor effects of the drug, the relationship between dose and blood concentrations, and studies and case reports on specific effects of the drug on driving. The latter reports include both laboratory driving simulator studies and anecdotal reports, and case series. We also report details of eighteen cases of apparent MDMA impaired driving, including six drivers whose blood tested positive for MDMA alone. Most subjects displayed muscle twitching and body tremors, dilated pupils, slow pupillary reaction to light, elevated pulse and blood pressure, lack of balance and coordination, and most were perspiring profusely. Five of the six subjects were given field sobriety tests (one leg stand, walk and turn test), and all five performed poorly. There was no clear correlation between the blood concentration of MDMA and the specific demeanor of the subject. These findings are consistent with other reports, and lead to the conclusion that MDMA use is not consistent with safe driving, and that impairment of various types may persist for a considerable time after last use.
Insights
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use significantly impairs driving abilities, affecting psychomotor skills. Even after last use, these impairments can persist, making MDMA-impaired driving unsafe.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Forensic Science
- Public Health
Background:
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug with stimulant and empathogenic properties.
- Increasing MDMA abuse raises concerns about its impact on public safety, particularly driving.
- MDMA's effects on psychomotor skills are critical to understand for impaired driving assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on MDMA's psychomotor effects relevant to driving.
- To examine the dose-response relationship and blood concentrations of MDMA.
- To analyze studies and case reports on MDMA's specific effects on driving performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychomotor effects and driving impairment.
- Analysis of dose-blood concentration relationships.
- Examination of driving simulator studies, anecdotal reports, and case series.
- Detailed reporting of eighteen cases of apparent MDMA-impaired driving.
Main Results:
- MDMA impairs psychomotor skills essential for safe driving.
- Observed effects include muscle twitching, tremors, dilated pupils, and poor coordination.
- Field sobriety tests were poorly performed by MDMA-affected drivers.
- No clear correlation found between MDMA blood concentration and observed impairment.
Conclusions:
- MDMA use is incompatible with safe driving.
- Impairment of driving-related functions can persist long after MDMA use.
- MDMA poses a significant risk to road safety due to its effects on drivers.
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