Driving under the influence of drugs other than alcohol

This paper illustrates different aspects of the problem of driving under the influence of medicine and is based on a survey carried out in 1976 on three groups of drivers: (a) drivers consuming prescription drugs and alcohol; (b) drivers consuming prescription drugs only; and (c) drivers consuming alcohol only. Traffic accidents and traffic accident risks are approximately equal for all three groups, although the author points out that the frequency of traffic accidents and traffic accident risks involving prescription drug intoxicated drivers is probably larger than indicated by the study, as the sample was drawn from persons suspected of drunken driving. The author recommends epidemiological studies of the problem which would be facilitated if the law permitted blood and urine samples to be taken from any driver stopped on the road. He also suggests that formation of interdisciplinary groups to investigate specific aspects of the problem and closer co-operation between interested countries.