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Drugs and driving: the Finnish perspective
1National Public Health Institute of Finland, Helsinhi.
Bulletin on Narcotics
|February 23, 2011
Summary
Drug impairment affects driving safety, with biological testing and legislation addressing driving under the influence. Saliva testing is emerging, but blood tests remain standard for drug-impaired driving cases.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Traffic Safety Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug use significantly impairs driving ability, posing risks to public safety.
- Legislation worldwide addresses driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs.
- Zero-tolerance laws and emerging roadside testing methods are evolving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current practices and challenges in detecting drug-impaired driving.
- To highlight the prevalence of various drugs affecting driving performance.
- To discuss the role of biological fluid testing in legal proceedings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing legislation and testing protocols for drug-impaired driving.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on drug use prevalence in driving populations.
- Examination of drug types most commonly associated with impaired driving.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of illicit drug use in European drivers estimated at 1-5%, with licit drugs like benzodiazepines affecting 5-10%.
- Drivers suspected of DUI show high rates of licit and illicit drug use.
- Amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, opiates, and benzodiazepines are key drugs of concern.
Conclusions:
- Biological testing of fluids is crucial for documenting drug impairment in drivers.
- Saliva testing shows promise for roadside screening, complementing traditional blood tests.
- Continued research is needed to address the complexities of drug-impaired driving and its detection.
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