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Testing reckless drivers for cocaine and marijuana
D Brookoff1, C S Cook, C Williams
1Department of Medical Education, Methodist Hospital, Memphis, TN 38104.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|August 25, 1994
Summary
Over half of reckless drivers tested positive for cocaine or marijuana, highlighting the prevalence of drug impairment in traffic incidents. Rapid urine testing at the scene proved effective in identifying these drivers.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Traffic Safety Research
- Drug Abuse Studies
Background:
- Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) other than alcohol is a significant factor in traffic injuries.
- Rapid urine testing can identify drivers impaired by cocaine or marijuana.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify reckless drivers under the influence of cocaine or marijuana using rapid urine testing.
- To compare drug test results with on-scene clinical intoxication evaluations.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive-sample study was conducted in Memphis, Tennessee, during the summer of 1993.
- Drivers arrested for reckless driving and not apparently alcohol-impaired were tested for cocaine and marijuana at the scene.
- Urine drug test results were compared with police officer clinical intoxication assessments.
Main Results:
- 150 drivers submitted urine samples; 59% tested positive for cocaine or marijuana (20% cocaine, 33% marijuana, 12% both).
- Of 94 drivers clinically deemed intoxicated, 85% tested positive for cocaine or marijuana.
- Nearly half of cocaine-intoxicated drivers performed normally on standard sobriety tests.
Conclusions:
- More than half of reckless drivers not intoxicated with alcohol were found to be under the influence of other drugs.
- On-scene toxicologic testing is a practical method for identifying drug-impaired drivers.
- Drug testing complements standard behavioral sobriety testing for detecting DUID.