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Drug detection in traffic-related fatalities in Connecticut (2020-2024)
Amanda L A Mohr1, James R Gill2, Barry K Logan1,3
1Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Horsham, PA 19044, United States.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Drug positivity, including alcohol and cannabis, was found in 72% of Connecticut traffic fatalities from 2020-2024. This highlights the significant role of substances in fatal crashes, emphasizing the need for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Forensic Toxicology
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Motor vehicle fatalities are a major preventable cause of death in the U.S.
- Traffic fatalities have been increasing nationally and in Connecticut since 2019.
- Substance use is a known contributing factor to traffic accidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate drug positivity in traffic-related fatalities in Connecticut.
- To analyze the prevalence of various substances in fatal crash victims (drivers, passengers, pedestrians).
- To identify trends in drug and alcohol involvement in motor vehicle deaths.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of traffic-related fatalities in Connecticut from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024.
- Data sourced from the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
- Toxicology results from 1,499 cases were analyzed for drug and alcohol presence.
Main Results:
- 72% (1,084 of 1,499) of analyzed cases showed at least one positive toxicology finding.
- Drug positivity rates were 75% for drivers, 66% for passengers, and 67% for pedestrians.
- Ethanol, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and fentanyl were the most common substances found.
Conclusions:
- Drugs and alcohol play a pervasive role across all categories of traffic-related deaths in Connecticut.
- Findings underscore the critical need for enhanced toxicology testing and targeted public safety interventions.
- Preventive strategies are essential to address substance involvement in fatal motor vehicle incidents.
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