|
There is a growing body of scientific evidence which demonstrates drugged driving to be a leading cause of traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. IBH shares its collection of drugged driving research information from various experts, articles, and national health and drug prevention organizations.
a. Scientific Studies
 | New Study Shows Tough Laws and Treatment are Top Deterrents Against DUI Offenders
A University of Montana study that targeted repeat DUI offenders shows that tougher laws and chemical dependency treatment are the strongest deterrents to chronic drunken driving. In Montana where a DUI becomes a felony after the fourth offense, felony DUI offenders say that penalties for initial DUIs are not tough enough. Full report. |
| | Large Majority of Drivers Ages 55 and Older Are Unaware of Potentially Dangerous Combination of Medications and Driving
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report in August 2009 of a survey of community dwelling drivers 55 years and older to assess knowledge regarding prescription and over the counter (OTC) medication use and driving. Ninety-five percent of respondents 55 and older had one or more medical conditions and 78% used one or more medications, yet only 28% indicated some awareness of the potential impact on driving performance associated with those medications. Full Report. |
 | More Than Half of Motor Vehicle Crash Drivers Tested Positive for Drugs Other Than Alcohol in a Level-1 Trauma Center
The following abstract is from the article: Walsh JM, Flegel R, Cangianelli LA, Atkins R, Soderstrom CA, Kerns TJ. Epidemiology of alcohol and other drug use among motor vehicle crash victims admitted to a Level-1 trauma center. Traffic Inj Prev 2004;5:254 - 60.
The purpose of this research was to determine the incidence and prevalence of drug use, alcohol use, and the combination of drug and alcohol use among motor vehicle crash (MVC) victims admitted to a Level-1 trauma center. In a 90-day study, nearly two-thirds of trauma center admissions were victims of motor vehicle crashes. Blood and urine was collected from 168 MVC victims of whom 108 were identified as the driver in the crash. Toxicology results indicated that 65.7% of drivers tested positive for either commonly abused drugs or alcohol. More than half of the drivers tested positive for drugs (50.9%) other than alcohol, with one in four drivers testing positive for marijuana use. About one-third of those using drugs had also been drinking, but alcohol was detected in only 30.6% of all injured drivers. Within the total MVC patient pool, passenger drug/alcohol use was equivalent to the driver population; however, injured pedestrians had higher rates of alcohol only than other MVC victims. There were no significant differences in drug and alcohol use between MVCs and trauma admissions of other causes. Of the patients with positive toxicology results, less than half (42%) were referred for evaluation for substance abuse disorders. |
 | Drug & Alcohol Use Among Victims of Motor Vehicle Crashes in West Virginia
An issue of the Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report examines the number of motor vehicle fatalities in West Virginia where the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner routinely screens all victims for alcohol and drugs. Of the 784 motor vehicle fatalities that took place in WV in the years 2004-2005, over 80% were tested for the presence of drugs and/or alcohol. Almost half (47.3%) of all decedents tested positive for alcohol or drugs and 11.1% tested positive for both. Over one quarter (25.8%) of decedents tested positive for drug use which is similar to the 27.7% of decedents who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) >0.08 g/dL. |
 | High Rates of Drug Use Found Among Injured Motorists at Adult Australian Trauma Centre
The following abstract is from the article: Drug Use in Motor Vehicle Drivers Presenting to an Australian, Adult Major Trauma Centre, C W Ch'ng, M Fitzgerald, J Gerostamoulos, P Cameron, D Bui, P McCaffrey, O Drummer, J Potter, M Odell. Emerg Med Australas. 2007 Aug;19 (4):359-65).
Objectives: To determine the drug use in injured Victorian drivers involved in motor vehicle collisions and subsequently transported to a major adult trauma centre in Victoria. Methods: A blood sample was obtained from patients who had been taken to The Alfred Emergency & Trauma Centre (Prahran, Vic., Australia) following a motor vehicle collision. This was performed at the same time and under the same law as compulsory blood screening in Victoria (Section 56 of the Road Safety Act). Four hundred and thirty-six specimens were analysed. Blood stored in vacutainer tubes containing preservative were screened for drugs using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gas chromatography-mass spectometry analysis. Medically administered drugs were excluded from the results. Results: Four hundred and thirty-six specimens were analysed. Metabolites of cannabis were the most commonly found drug (46.7%), the active form of cannabis (Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was found in 33 specimens (7.6%). The next most prevalent drugs were benzodiazepines (15.6%), opiates (11%), amphetamines (4.1%) and methadone (3%). Cocaine was detected in 1.4% of cases. Of the motor vehicle collisions 66% involved males and females of 15-44 years old and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol was almost exclusively found in this age group. In motor vehicle collisions involving older drivers there was an increasing use of benzodiazepines. In women >65 years old 30% were positive for benzodiazepines. Conclusions: Drug usage found in this group of injured drivers was disturbingly high. The introduction of further initiatives to decrease the prevalence of drug use in motor vehicle drivers is required. |
 | Australia Report on Impaired Driving Shows Drugged Driving Great Concern for Country
Drugs and Driving in Australia: A Survey of Community Attitudes, Experience and Understanding is an extensive report which discusses various concerns and issues when considering policies to address drugged driving from impairment to public perception of risks, etc. The report confirms the fact that drugged driving is on the same scale as drunk driving in Australia and while the data on rates of impaired driving shared in the report are useful to that end, the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. (IBH) disagrees with the harm-minimization or harm reduction approach taken in this report, focusing primarily on education only. IBH believes that law enforcement must play a critical role in making an impact to reduce drugged driving, the way it has impacted rates of drunk driving, in addition to national education campaign. Report summary. |
 | British Columbia Roadside Survey Examines High Rates of Impaired Driving in Canada
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) completed the British Columbia Roadside Survey in 2008 which revealed higher rates of drugged driving than drunk driving. Over 10% of tested drivers were positive for drug use compared to only 8% who tested positive for alcohol. While alcohol-impaired drivers tended to be younger in age, with more positive test results occurring during weekends and later nighttime hours, drug-impaired drivers were more evenly distributed across all age groups and survey times. |
| Repeat DUI Offenders Diagnosed with Drug Use Disorders Show Increased Risk of Negative Traffic Outcomes
The following abstract is from the article: C'de Baca, J., McMillan, G.P., & Lapham, S.C. (2009). Repeat DUI Offenders Who Have Had a Drug Diagnosis: Are They More Prone to Traffic Crashes and Violations?. Traffic Injury Prevention,10(2),134-140.
Objective: Study objectives are to test for differences (1) in rates of negative traffic outcomes between DUI offenders who have lifetime drug use disorders (DUD) and those with no lifetime DUD; and (2) by drug class for those with a DUD. Methods: The study sample of 379 male and 74 female repeat DUI offenders was interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results: Compared to those with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) only, the relative risk of being involved in a vehicular crash was greater for those with a central nervous system (CNS) depressant use disorder. The risk of being convicted of a traffic offense was higher for those with any DUD and for those with a CNS stimulant use disorder. Differences by class of drug used, after adjusting for demographics, were a 47 percent (confidence interval: 6 - 103%) greater risk of being in a crash with a CNS depressant use disorder and 28 percent (confidence interval: 11 - 48%) greater risk of a traffic conviction with a stimulant use disorder. Conclusions: Results underscore the increased risk of negative traffic outcomes among repeat DUI offenders diagnosed with DUD, particularly CNS depressant disorders, supporting the call to establish policies that include comprehensive evaluation and treatment for this population. |
 | 30% of High School Seniors Reported Driving After Using Alcohol or Other Illicit Drugs or Riding With a Driver Who Had
The following abstract is from the article: O'Malley, P.M., and Johnston, L.D. (2007). Drugs and driving by American high school seniors, 2001-2006. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 68(6):834-842.
Objective: The aim of this study was to report trends from 2001 to 2006 in the percentage of all high school seniors who drive after using marijuana, other illicit drugs, or alcohol or who are exposed as passengers to such behaviors. A second objective is to examine demographic and psychosocial correlates of these behaviors. Method: The data were obtained from the Monitoring the Future study, in which nationally representative samples of high school seniors have been surveyed annually since 1975. Results: In 2006, 30% of high school seniors reported exposure to a drugged or drinking driver in the past 2 weeks, down from 35% in 2001. Exposure was demonstrated to be widespread as defined by demographic characteristics (population density, region of the country, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and family structure). Individual lifestyle factors (religiosity, grade point average, truancy, frequency of evenings out for fun, and hours of work) showed considerable association with the outcome behaviors. Conclusions: Impaired driving by youth remains a problem needing serious attention despite some progress in recent years. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 68: 834-842, 2007) |
 | Research Abstracts from the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists & International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety International Conference
The TIAFT & ICADTS 2007 International Conference was held in August 2007 in Seattle, Washington, USA. This conference of international experts, hosted by former McGovern Award winner, Barry Logan, Ph.D., had a strong emphasis on drugged driving, its effects and ways countries can start to reduce it. This conference highlighted how much valuable research is being conducted on drugged driving and how great the outcry is around the world for it to stop. Review the research abstracts from this conference. |
 | Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis Increases Risk of Car Crash in France
The following abstract is from the article: Laumon, B., Gadegbeku, B., Martin, JL., Biecheler, MB. -- Cannabis intoxication and fatal crashes in: population based case-control study BMJ. 2005 Dec 10;331(7529):1371.
Objectives: To evaluate the relative risk of being responsible for a fatal crash while driving under the influence of cannabis, the prevalence of such drivers within the driving population, and the corresponding share of fatal crashes. Design: Population based case-control study. Participants: 10,748 drivers, with known drug and alcohol concentrations, who were involved in fatal crashes in France from October 2001 to September 2003. Main outcome measures: The cases were the 6,766 drivers considered at fault in their crash; the controls were 3,006 drivers selected from the 3,982 other drivers. Positive detection of cannabis was defined as a blood concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol of over 1 ng/ml. The prevalence of positive drivers in the driving population was estimated by standardising controls on drivers not at fault who were involved in crashes resulting in slight injuries. Results: 681 drivers were positive for cannabis (cases 8.8%, controls 2.8%), including 285 with an illegal blood alcohol concentration ( ³ 0.5 g/l). Positive cannabis detection was associated with increased risk of responsibility (odds ratio 3.32, 95% confidence interval 2.63 to 4.18). A significant dose effect was identified; the odds ratio increased from 2.18 (1.22 to 3.89) if 0 < detla-9 tetrahydrocannabinol < 1 ng/ml to 4.72 (3.04 to 7.33) if detla-9 tetrahydrocannabinol ³ 5 ng/ml. the effect of cannabis remains significant after adjustment for different cofactors, including alcohol, with which no statistical interaction was observed. the prevalence of cannabis (2.9%) estimated for the driving population is similar to that for alcohol (2.7%). at least 2.5% (1.5% to 3.5%) of fatal crashes were estimated as being attributable to cannabis, compared with 28.6% for alcohol (26.8% to 30.5%). Conclusions: Driving under the influence of cannabis increases the risk of involvement in a crash. However, in France its share in fatal crashes is significantly lower than that associated with positive blood alcohol concentration.
Full article available: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1309644 |
b. Drugged Driving Expert Presentations
 | Barry Logan, Ph.D., DABFT Director of the Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau, Washington State Patrol and State Toxicologist
An expert in the field of forensic toxicology and drug analysis, Dr. Logan has made drug-impaired driving a focus of his research activities since 1994, with more than 25 publications on this topic, and frequent testimony as an expert in drug impaired driving cases. Dr. Logan serves on the board of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists from which he received in 2003 the Mid-Career Achievement Award for Excellence in Forensic Toxicology for his work in postmortem and impaired driving toxicology. He was the recipient of the John P. McGovern Award for innovation in drug abuse prevention on June 1, 2006 by the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. View the presentation. |
 | Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Toxicology, University of Florida College of Medicine
In November, 2007 Dr. Goldberger participated in the John P. McGovern lecture series on drugged driving hosted by the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. Dr. Goldberger reviewed currently available technology, including breath, urine, saliva and sweat tests. He discussed the uses and limitations of these methodologies, and suggested new avenues of research and development that are in the pipeline. View the presentation. |
c. Reports & Factsheets
 | European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction: Drug Use, Impaired Driving and Traffic Accidents
This literature review provides a comprehensive report on the relationship between drug use, impaired driving and traffic accidents. It covers methodological issues, presents results of prevalence surveys among drivers and provides an overview of findings from major international epidemiological surveys published since 1999. The report also gathers evidence from experimental and field studies of the relationship between drug use, driving impairment and traffic accidents. View report. |
 | Priorities and Strategies for Improving the Investigation, Use of Toxicology Results, and Prosecution of Drug-Impaired Driving Cases
The National Safety Council's Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs organized a group of toxicologists, drug recognition experts (DREs), and prosecutors active in the area of drugged driving, in May 2004. The panel was charged with identifying problems with the current system of prosecuting drug-impaired driving cases. This report focuses on the recurrent themes and major issues identified. Among the issues addressed were:
Issue #1: What are the major problems encountered in processing a drug-impaired driving case through the criminal justice system?
Issue #2: Are current laws optimally structured to deter drugged driving?
Issue #3: What resources currently exist to promote informed and effective drugged driving prosecution, and how can they be used more effectively?
Issue #4: What should be the priority activities of stakeholders in advancing the enforcement and prosecution of drug-impaired driving? |
 | National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report on Drugged Driving
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), asks respondents aged 12 or older to report their use of alcohol or illicit drugs during the 12 months prior to the survey. "Any illicit drug" refers to marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), inhalants, hallucinogens, heroin, or prescription-type drugs used nonmedically. Respondents who reported illicit drug use also were asked whether they had driven a vehicle during the past 12 months while under the influence of illegal drugs alone or in combination with alcohol. Data showed that over 35 million persons aged 12 or older had used illicit drugs in the past year. Almost 11 million of these persons, or 5% of the total U.S. population aged 12 or older and 31% of past year illicit drug users, had driven under the influence of illegal drugs in the past year. View report. |
 | NIDA InfoFacts: Drugged Driving
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) fact sheet on drugged driving addresses the following questions and issues:
- What is drugged driving?
- How many people take drugs and drive?
- Teens and drugged driving
- Why is drugged driving hazardous?
|
 | New South Wales Government Drugs and Driving Frequently Asked Question
The government of New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, provides answers to frequently asked questions about roadside drug testing, laws and consequences relating to drugged driving. |
 | NHTSA Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets
A panel of international experts on drug-related driving issues met to review developments in the field of drugs and human performance over the last 10 years to identify the specific effects that both illicit and prescription drugs have on driving and to develop guidance for others when dealing with drug-impaired driving problems.
NTHSTA Fact Sheets By Drug |
d. Drug Abuse Research
 | National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2007
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) is the primary source of information on the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use and abuse in the general U.S. civilian non institutionalized population, age 12 and older. It is currently conducted by SAMHSA's Office of Applied Studies (OAS). Correlates in OAS reports include the following: age, gender, pregnancy status, race/ethnicity, education, employment, geographic area, frequency of use, and association with alcohol, tobacco, & illegal drug use. View report. |
 | Monitoring the Future: Overview of Key Findings, 2008
Monitoring the Future is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. Each year, a total of approximately 50,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students are surveyed (12th graders since 1975, and 8th and 10th graders since 1991). In addition, annual follow-up questionnaires are mailed to a sample of each graduating class for a number of years after their initial participation. View study. |
 | 2008 National Drug Threat Assessment from National Drug Intelligence Center
The National Drug Threat Assessment is an interagency report that provides a strategic overview and predictive outlook of the threat to the United States from the illicit trafficking and use of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, pharmaceutical drugs, and other dangerous drugs. Read the full National Threat Assessment. |
|
| |