Driving under the Influence of Non-Alcohol Drugs

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Traffic Safety Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Knowledge regarding driving under the influence of non-alcohol drugs is based on a review of methodological approaches.
• Existing experimental and epidemiological studies provide a foundation for identifying increased risks associated with several drugs.
• Therapeutic use of certain medications, like benzodiazepines (BZDs), opioids, and antidepressants, presents challenges, while antihistamines appear less problematic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the methodological basis for understanding driving under the influence of non-alcohol drugs.
• To identify key drug classes contributing to impaired driving.
• To evaluate current and emerging methods for detecting drugged driving and discuss legislative approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and epidemiological studies on drug use and driving.
• Analysis of drug effects in individuals combined with blood concentration measurements.
• Examination of current detection methods (e.g., saliva tests) and legislative frameworks (zero tolerance vs. impairment).

Main Results:

• Benzodiazepines (BZDs), opioids, antidepressants, and illicit drugs (cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine) are associated with increased traffic hazards.
• High-dose use and abuse of these substances represent a major problem in the US and Europe.
• Saliva tests show promise for detecting drugged drivers; Norway leads in detection rates relative to population size.

Conclusions:

• Evaluating drug influence requires combining clinical effects with blood concentration measurements.
• A combination of 'zero tolerance' and 'impairment' based legislation may be most effective.
• Preventing drugged driving, especially among recidivist drug abusers, remains a significant future policy challenge.