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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
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Results for drug-impaired driving
18 results foundAuthor: Compton, R. Title: Drug-Impaired Driving: Understanding the Problem and Ways to Reduce It: A Report to Congress Summary: The report summarizes a series of studies undertaken by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to acquire the information needed to address the general problem of drug-impaired driving. The report describes the research conducted on prevention, detection, and prosecution of driving under the influence of drugs; issues associated with determining what drugs impair driving; difficulties in relating blood levels of drugs and impairment; lack of information about what drugs are frequently used by drivers and what drugs elevate crash risk; problems in obtaining representative data about current enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication of drug-impaired driving; training for law enforcement officers in recognizing drug-impaired drivers; review of drug-impaired driving laws; and what is known about the role of drugs as causal factors in traffic crashes. It highlights the need for further research and concludes with recommendations to better address the problem of drug-impaired driving. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2009. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 10, 2011 at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811268.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811268.pdf Shelf Number: 121698 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged DrivingDrugs and Driving |
Author: Neale, Joanne Title: Recreational Drug Use and Driving: A Qualitative Study Summary: The behaviour of individuals who drive whilst under the influence of illegal drugs is now a major concern in many countries. This has generated a large amount of epidemiological and experimental research examining various aspects of drug-driving behaviour. Within Scotland, however, there has been a lack of information on the nature and extent of the drug-driving problem. Responding to this gap in knowledge, the Scottish Executive (in association with the Scottish Road Safety Campaign) commissioned a programme of research to examine both quantitative and qualitative aspects of recreational drug-driving. A national household survey by System Three Social Research has provided quantitative information on the prevalence of this behaviour among 17-39 year-old drivers in Scotland. The research reported here complements this survey by providing more in-depth qualitative information on the links between recreational drug use and driving. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Executive Central Research Unit, 2000. 103p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2011 at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/156503/0042020.pdf Year: 2000 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/156503/0042020.pdf Shelf Number: 121784 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving (Scotland)Drugs and Driving |
Author: Gemmell, Colin Title: Literature Review on the Relation between Drug Use, Impaired Driving and Traffic Accidents Summary: The health consequences of drug use are a priority area for the EMCDDA and impaired driving and road traffic accidents linked to drugs constitute an important topic on which comprehensive information is lacking. The literature review addressed inter alia the relationship between different patterns of drug consumption, impaired driving and traffic accidents. In addition drug testing procedures and associated legislation regarding drug-impaired driving in the different EU Member States were described and the issues raised by such testing reviewed. The outcomes of the study included a scientific literature review and annotated bibliography on the relation between drug use, impaired driving and traffic accidents. Details: Lisbon: EMCDDA, 1999. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 24, 2011 at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index58070EN.html Year: 1999 Country: Europe URL: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index58070EN.html Shelf Number: 121787 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving (Europe)Drugs and DrivingTraffic Accidents |
Author: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Title: Drugs and Driving: Detection and Deterrence Summary: Driving while impaired by drugs – whether licit or illicit – has emerged as an important road safety issue. This report provides a state-of-the-art review of the role and impact of drugs in road accident risk. It reviews the legislation, deterrence and roadside detection practices in member countries as well as preventative measures to combat drug use while driving. The report first discusses the scientific evidence that provides the basis for understanding drug effects on driving performance, provides an assessment of the pharmacological effects in relation to driving skills and documents the relationship between blood toxicology findings and impairment. It then presents the evidence from studies that have examined the frequency of driving after drug use and the incidence of drugs among drivers involved in crashes and assesses the risks associated with driving after using drugs. It provides a review and discussion of legislative and enforcement policies and practices in OECD/ITF countries and of the prevention initiatives. Finally it draws conclusions about the role of drugs in traffic and identifies leading practices for controlling/preventing the behaviour based on the evidence presented. Details: Paris: OECD Publishing, 2010. 115p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 24, 2011 at: http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/fulltext/7710011e.pdf?expires=1306236897&id=id&accname=oid006203&checksum=71EE1FD0E45A16DCE930B61E1BF2F086 Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/fulltext/7710011e.pdf?expires=1306236897&id=id&accname=oid006203&checksum=71EE1FD0E45A16DCE930B61E1BF2F086 Shelf Number: 121788 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged DrivingDrugs and Driving |
Author: Fell, James C. Title: A Guide for Statewide Impaired-Driving Task Forces Summary: The purpose of the guide is to assist State officials and other stakeholders who are interested in establishing an Impaired-Driving Statewide Task Force or who are exploring ways to improve their current Task Force. The guide addresses issues such as (a) how to initiate a successful Task Force, (2) how to select the Task Force membership, (3) how to keep the membership involved, (4) how to select problem areas to work on, (5) how to use various strategies to solve problems, and (6) how to avoid potential pitfalls and obstacles that confront Task Forces. The appendices provide a series of useful documents for reference, such as brief descriptions of existing Task Forces, sample meeting agendas and meeting minutes, and sample Task Force recommendations. Some of the statewide Task Forces have been extremely effective in developing key legislation at the State level (that is later adopted) and in closing loopholes in their impaired-driving laws, enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication procedures. Others have addressed institutional changes such as developing better record-keeping systems or creating active communication between key agencies and stakeholders. Task Force efforts have addressed legislative issues, enforcement strategies, criminal justice processing changes, improvements in sentencing procedures, the treatment of DUI/DWI offenders, and initiatives for curbing underage drinking. By learning from the experience of others, those wishing to develop or augment statewide Task Forces can enhance the process and avoid "reinventing the wheel." Details: Washington, DC: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2009. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 24, 2011 at: http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/31000/31300/31303/5663_Impaired_Driving_Task_Force_Guide-tagged.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/31000/31300/31303/5663_Impaired_Driving_Task_Force_Guide-tagged.pdf Shelf Number: 121789 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged DrivingDrugs and Driving |
Author: Traffic Injury Research Foundation Title: Drugs and Driving: A Compendium of Research Studies Summary: It is clear that drug-impaired driving is a serious, wide-spread problem that requires effective responses. There is a broad spectrum of options, from strictly preventative to strictly punitive approaches. As seen in relation to alcohol-impaired driving, it is likely that a combination of both preventative and punitive responses provides the best results. Nevertheless, this annotated bibliography focuses on studies pertaining to identification and to prosecution of drug-impaired driving. Moreover it concentrates on studies about drug-impaired, rather than alcohol-impaired, driving. As described in the section that follows, there have been a substantial number of studies relating to drug-impaired driving worldwide. However, there has been a paucity of research that brings together data from these various sources. Assessment of the merits of proposed legislative changes in the future and identification of alternative options will require up-to-date knowledge of current literature pertaining to drug-impaired driving. This annotated bibliography attempts to meet these needs. Its objective is to provide a listing of drug-impaired driving research published in English, since 1999. Qualitative and quantitative research, relevant surveys and other materials pertaining to drug-impaired driving are included among its listings. Details: Ottawa: Department of Justice Canada, 2007. 89p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 24, 2011 at: http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/collection_2009/justice/J3-2-2006-8E.pdf Year: 2007 Country: International URL: http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/collection_2009/justice/J3-2-2006-8E.pdf Shelf Number: 121790 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving |
Author: Ormston, Rachel Title: Evaluation of the Drug Driving TV Advert Summary: This report presents the findings of research evaluating a recent TV advert aimed at discouraging people from driving under the influence of drugs (‘drug driving’). The evaluation was carried out by NFO Social Research on behalf of the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Road Safety Campaign between July and September 2002. The research consisted of three elements. Firstly, questions were included in the Scottish Opinion Survey (SOS) in June 2002 to establish baseline levels of awareness and understanding of the advert. Secondly, a separate survey of Scottish drivers was carried out between late July and early September 2002 to provide more detailed data on reactions to the advert and on individual experiences of drug driving. Finally, a series of qualitative interviews, including both paired depth interviews and peer focus groups, were carried out with 17-24 year-olds in September 2002 to explore attitudes towards the advert in more detail. Details: Edinburgh: Scottish Executive Social Research, 2003. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 24, 2011 at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47032/0013895.pdf Year: 2003 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47032/0013895.pdf Shelf Number: 121791 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving (Scotland)Drugs and DrivingPublicity Campaigns |
Author: Oliver, J.S. Title: Monitoring the Effectiveness of UK Field Impairment Tests Summary: The Field Impairment Test (FIT) is used by UK police officers at the roadside. It aids the officer in the decision to arrest a driver stopped because of observed impairment of driving, and who, during the interaction with the officer, raised suspicion that drug use may be the cause. Under these conditions, the driver may be asked to perform the test, and if performance is unsatisfactory the officer may decide to arrest a driver on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs. After such an arrest, enforcement procedures require the driver to be brought into a police station to be seen by a Forensic Medical Examiner (FME). If the FME certifies that the driver’s condition may be due to drink or drugs, a biological sample is obtained from the driver for drug analysis. This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of FIT. In part, this was achieved by assessing the level of concordance between police officers’ judgements at the roadside following the use of FIT and the results of drug analysis of biological samples obtained from drivers. In addition oral fluid was obtained on a voluntary basis from drivers who were released at the roadside following the use of FIT. The contribution of each component of FIT to the correct identification of drivers impaired by drugs was also assessed, and additionally, the nature and extent of drug use in this group of drivers was recorded. The performance of FIT as part of the police enforcement process was judged against an objective measure: the presence of drugs in the biological specimens (blood, urine or oral fluid) obtained from drivers who had been assessed by FIT. The majority of biological samples from those arrested were blood, and all specimens from those released at the roadside were oral fluid. While the mere presence of drugs in blood or oral fluid does not indicate impairment per se, the occurrence of toxicologically significant concentrations of drugs supports the presumption of impairment when supported by the officer’s record of impaired driving. The analysis in this study was based on information from a database set up to record the results of the FIT tests carried out by the 22 participating police forces and the results of laboratory analysis of biological specimens for cases proceeding under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act. Additional information was obtained from supplementary forms completed during FIT by the officer and from analysis of oral fluid specimens voluntarily donated by the drivers who were stopped but not arrested at the roadside, and therefore assumed to be not impaired through drugs. In total, 991 appropriate cases were reported during the study period. Of these, 334 cases had the information required for the evaluation process (performance in FIT and the presence or absence of drugs in biological samples). For these cases the information was used to calculate the sensitivity (the proportion of true positive cases detected), specificity (the proportion of true negative cases detected) and accuracy (the proportion of cases that were correctly diagnosed in the study sample). The study results demonstrate that oral fluid can be used to identify drugs in drivers. Donation and collection of oral fluid specimens presented no operational hazard to police officers and was acceptable to drivers, including those who were drug positive. From the results obtained from the analysis of blood, urine and oral fluid, the nature and extent of drug use by drivers was found to be similar throughout the study areas, and reflected drugs misuse rather than the therapeutic usage of prescribed medicines. In relation to the use of FIT, the assessment of impairment by a police officer using the test was supported by the clinical examination performed by the FME in 77% of the cases. Biological samples were received and analysed in only 65% of this group but significant drug use was confirmed in 94% of them. Consequently, where there is initial suspicion of drug impaired driving supported by the use of FIT and the medical investigation, the procedure as a whole has demonstrated a high positive predictive value (94%). Overall, the roadside application of FIT demonstrated a sensitivity of 65%, a specificity of 77% and an accuracy of 66%, meaning that FIT identifies the majority of drug positive and drug negative cases. Consequently, FIT in its current form is useable for screening purposes. However, further development is required to improve its performance. The drug recognition skills of the police officers were generally good. Within the battery of tests that forms FIT, the pupillary examination contributed very little. Despite the positive results described above, there were several areas of concern. We were unable to obtain biological specimens from drivers where the FME did not corroborate the opinion of the arresting officer (23% of cases). From the significant number of drug positive cases found from the analysis of oral fluid provided by drivers released by the police officer prior to the involvement of the FME, there is concern that in these disputed cases there might be a high number of drug positives. Additionally, although we had only a small number of specimens volunteered at the roadside by those who were stopped but were judged to be unimpaired by the police officer, a significant number of these were drug positive (71%). This is of some concern as the majority of drugs detected in these specimens were indicative of drug misuse. This highlights the possibility that the current roadside procedure is not sensitive enough to detect all those impaired through drugs, or that there is a possible training issue for the police officer or that driver tolerance to the effects of the drug may explain this finding. Finally, there is no absolute definition of driving impairment nor is there an objective, validated method by which driving impairment (and FIT) can be assessed. Details: London: Department for Transport, 2006. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Road Safety Research Report No. 63: Accessed May 24, 2011 at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme3/monitoringtheeffectiveness.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme3/monitoringtheeffectiveness.pdf Shelf Number: 121794 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving (U.K.)Drugs and Driving |
Author: DuPont, Robert L. Title: Drugged Driving Research: A White Paper Summary: Drugged driving is a significant public health and public safety problem in the United States and abroad, as documented through a growing body of research. Among the research conducted in the US is the 2009 finding that 33% of fatally injured drivers with known drug test results were positive for drugs other than alcohol. Among randomly stopped weekend nighttime drivers who provided oral fluid and/or blood specimens in 2007, 16.3% were positive for drugs. While these and other emerging data demonstrate the drugged driving problem, the US has lagged behind other nations in both drugged driving research and enforcement. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) 2010 National Drug Control Strategy established as a priority reducing drugged driving in the United States. To achieve the Strategy’s goal of reducing drugged driving by 10% by 2015, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) enlisted the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. (IBH) to review the current state of knowledge about drugged driving and to develop a comprehensive research plan for future research that would hold the promise of making a significant impact by 2015. IBH convened an expert committee to develop this report. Committee members included top leaders across a broad spectrum of related disciplines including research, public policy, enforcement and law. Details: Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., 2011. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 27, 2011 at: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/nida_dd_paper.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/nida_dd_paper.pdf Shelf Number: 121829 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving (U.S.)Drugs and Driving |
Author: Jones, R.K. Title: State of Knowledge of Drug-Impaired Driving Summary: This is the final report of a project entitled "State of Knowledge of Drug-Impaired Driving." The project was conducted by Mid-America Research Institute, Inc., of New England for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). David Shinar of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, and J. Michael Walsh of The Walsh Group, Bethesda, Maryland, made significant contributions. This review examines research published during the 1981-2001 period and references some of the earlier material contained in prior reviews. The scope of the review included foreign as well as U.S. literature with a direct bearing on highway safety. The review emphasizes controlled substances to include marijuana, benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sedative and hypnotic drugs, and others such as amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, and narcotic drugs. However, research related to any other drugs having the potential to significantly impair driving is also included in the review. Applicable research conducted in foreign countries, and documented in the English language, is included. This report is presented in six substantive chapters. Chapter 2 contains a description of the methods followed in determining the topics and issues of concern in the review, identifying, acquiring and screening the documents to be reviewed, and reviewing individual documents. Chapter 3 deals with research pertinent to the detection and measurement of drugs in drivers, and Chapter 4 reviews the experimental literature, including research conducted in a laboratory testing human performance on tasks believed to be related to driving, and research conducted either in a driving simulator or on a closed course testing performance in actual driving tasks. In Chapter 5, we examine literature flowing from epidemiologic studies of drugs and traffic crashes, including literature on the drug use of various subgroups of drivers such as drivers arrested for drunk driving or "drugged" driving. Chapter 6 deals with literature on countermeasures for drug-impaired driving, and Chapter 7 presents our conclusions and recommendations. An index of terms and a bibliographic listing of references follow at the end of the report. Our conclusions and recommendations are organized by the four major types of scientific literature examined in the review, namely: Detection and measurement of drugs in drivers, Experimental research on the effects of drugs on performance of driving-related tasks. Epidemiologic research on the drugs in driving populations, including drivers in crashes, on-the-road drivers not in crashes, and drivers suspected or convicted of drug-impaired driving. Research on countermeasures for drug-impaired driving. The conclusions and recommendations are presented below. Examples of documents supporting the specific conclusions are cited, and cross references to pages of this report discussing more general conclusions are provided. Details: Washington, D.C. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2003. 120p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 29, 2011 at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/StateofKnwlegeDrugs/StateofKnwlegeDrugs/index.html Year: 2003 Country: United States URL: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/StateofKnwlegeDrugs/StateofKnwlegeDrugs/index.html Shelf Number: 121899 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged DrivingDrugs and Driving |
Author: U.S. Department of Transporation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Title: Low-Staffing Sobriety Checkpoints Summary: Impaired driving crashes result in tens of thousands of injuries and thousands of lives lost every year. Stopping and arresting a drug- and/or alcohol-impaired driver may seem to be a simple process. In fact, it is a series of procedures that are dictated by complex State and local laws. Before addressing the issue of impaired driving enforcement, it is important for law enforcement to consider all components involved in successfully deterring the impaired driver. High visibility enforcement efforts accompanied by aggressive media coverage of enforcement efforts, public awareness, and education are essential to a comprehensive impaired driving campaign. These tools have proven effective in reducing impaired driving, and were documented in the Checkpoint Tennessee Evaluation Project. This document will provide guidance to law enforcement agencies on how to adequately coordinate the planning, operation, data collection, and actions of conducting low-staffing sobriety checkpoints. Details: Washington, DC: U.D. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2006. 24p. Source: DOT HS 810 590: Internet Resource: Accessed March 2, 2012 at http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/LowStaffing_Checkpoints/images/LowStaffing.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/LowStaffing_Checkpoints/images/LowStaffing.pdf Shelf Number: 124353 Keywords: Alcohol Impaired DrivingCrime Reduction, HandbooksDriving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugs and DrivingDrunk DrivingPolicing Procedures (U.S.)Sobriety Checkpoints (U.S.) |
Author: Kerrigan, Sarah Title: Drug Toxicology for Prosecutors: Targeting Hardcore Impaired Drivers Summary: Drug impaired drivers kill and maim thousands of people each and every year in the United States. Unfortunately, prosecuting drug-impaired drivers is a daunting task. Jurors, who are very familiar with alcohol’s effects, signs and symptoms, often know little or nothing about other drugs. Tainted by crime shows like CSI: Miami, they may have unrealistic expectations about the nature and quantum of available proof. Unlike alcohol, most states do not have “per se” limits for drugged driving. To successfully explain the evidence and issues to jurors in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) cases, prosecutors must understand the basics of drug toxicology. This publication is designed to provide prosecutors with a basic understanding of drug pharmacology and testing. The prosecution of drug impaired driving cases is more complex than alcohol-related DWI (driving while impaired) cases—both scientifically and legally. Impairment can be more difficult to discern and prove, thus making these cases more difficult to prosecute. Although alcohol is a drug, not all drugs can be considered in the same way. This means that a case involving a driver suspected of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) may require special handling and evaluation. Good communication and effective integration of law enforcement and legal and scientific personnel are essential in these cases. Details: Alexandria, VA; American Prosecutors Research Institute, 2004. 59p. Source: Special Topics Series: Internet Resource: Accessed August 30, 2012 at http://www.ndaa.org/pdf/drug_toxicology_for_prosecutors_04.pdf Year: 2004 Country: United States URL: http://www.ndaa.org/pdf/drug_toxicology_for_prosecutors_04.pdf Shelf Number: 126173 Keywords: Crime LaboratoriesDriving Under the Influence of DrugsDrug AbuseDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugs and DrivingForensic ScienceForensics |
Author: Lococo, Kathy H. Title: Literature Review of Polypharmacy and Older Drivers: Identifying Strategies to Collect Drug Usage and Driving Functioning Among Older Drivers Summary: This research product updates the state-of-the-knowledge regarding key factors that bear on NHTSA’s ability to investigate the effects of multiple medications on safe driving among older people. First, the prevalence of medication use by older people in the population, the physiological/metabolic effects of specific drugs and drug classes, and the known effects on driving ability—principally for single substances—are reviewed. Next, the strengths and weakness of various methods that may be used to learn which prescription and over-the-counter drugs are being taken by older adults are described and contrasted; a consideration of which factors most strongly affect compliance with a medication regime, and which factors influence older people’ willingness to participate in studies aimed at obtaining such information, complements this discussion. The remaining section in this review examines on-road, closed course, and simulation methods that have been applied in this arena, highlighting those that appear to hold the greatest promise for evaluating the effects of drugs on driving performance while also acknowledging shortcomings and limitations that have been reported in the literature. For the most part, this review concentrates on recent (since 2001) studies accessed through print and electronic media. A bibliography containing over 200 citations is included, plus an appendix identifying potentially inappropriate medications commonly prescribed for older, community-dwelling individuals. Details: Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Technology, 2006. 104p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 20, 2012 at http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/olddrive/druguse_olderdriver/images/Job%202859%20Polypharmacy_NEW.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/olddrive/druguse_olderdriver/images/Job%202859%20Polypharmacy_NEW.pdf Shelf Number: 126388 Keywords: Drug-Impaired DrivingMedicinesOlder Automobile DriversPharmaceuticals, Abuse |
Author: Lococo, Kathy H. Title: Polypharmacy and Older Drivers: Identifying Strategies to Study Drug Usage and Driving Functioning Among Older Drivers Summary: The goal of this project was to determine if there are practical means to obtain information about drug usage by older drivers under everyday, “real world” conditions that are valid and reliable, and to measure the consequences of multiple drug use for safe driving. Further goals were to identify candidate methodologies for carrying out such studies that are both cost-effective and likely to be successful in obtaining a diverse and representative sample of older drivers. These objectives were accomplished through the following tasks: a literature review; a brainstorming session including professionals with expertise in polypharmacy and driving performance measurement; and focus groups with older drivers. The literature review, published by NHTSA as a stand-alone document, contains three main sections. The first reviews the prevalence of medication use by community-dwelling older persons, the physiological/metabolic effects of specific drugs and drug classes, and the known effects on driving ability. The next discusses the strengths and weaknesses of various methods that may be used to learn which prescription and over-the-counter drugs are being taken by older adults, including a consideration of which factors most strongly affect compliance with a medication regime, and which factors influence older persons’ willingness to participate in studies aimed at obtaining such information. The last section examines onroad, closed course, and simulation methods that have been applied in prior studies of drug use and driving functioning. A one-day brainstorming session was conducted to afford guidance in the development of future NHTSA research plans for measuring medication use and driving performance. Project staff and consultants prepared discussion materials that were distributed in advance to 13 panel members, who also completed rating scale exercises to measure differences of opinion with respect to the practicality, reliability, and costeffectiveness of various research methodologies. Four focus groups were conducted with drivers age 55 to 85 in the Tampa, FL and Philadelphia, PA vicinities to better understand the perceptions and concerns that older drivers may have about participating in future NHTSA-sponsored studies where they would be asked to disclose their usage of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and participate in an assessment of their driving abilities. Results were summarized for use in planning later NHTSA research activities. Details: Washington, DC: Office of Research and Traffic Records, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2006. 92p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 22, 2012 at http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/olddrive/polypharmacy/images/Polypharmacy.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/olddrive/polypharmacy/images/Polypharmacy.pdf Shelf Number: 127263 Keywords: Drug-Impaired DrivingMedicinesOlder Automobile DriversPharmaceuticals, Abuse |
Author: Schneider, Helmut Title: Drugged Driving in Louisiana: Quantification of its Impact on Public Health and Implications for Legislation, Enforcement, and Prosecution Summary: Drugged driving, i.e., driving under the influence of drugs, is considered a rising public health issue in the US and the rest of the world, yet due to under-reporting and limitations of existing data, not much is known about the frequency of drugged driving or how it affects public safety. While the federal government has encouraged states to enact zero-tolerance drugged driving laws, the lack of clarity surrounding the effects of drugs on driving abilities, as well a lack of empirical evidence about the efficacy of such laws, indicate more research is necessary. Using Louisiana as a case study, this report provides important insight into the state of knowledge about drugged driving, the limitations to current data collection practices, and how to proceed from here. There are two main goals: first, evaluate laws and policies about drugged driving and through a series of interviews with prosecutors, defense attorneys, police, and the public, identify obstacles to zero-tolerance legislation in Louisiana; and second, analyze the frequency of drugged driving in Louisiana and other states where data is publically available to identify ways to improve data collection. Analysis of data from the Louisiana State Crime Lab as well as other available sources provide a preliminary baseline estimate about the frequency and nature of drug-impaired driving in Louisiana. Findings indicate substantial disparities exist among parishes in terms of the number of drug-impaired driving arrests and the quality of evidence submitted for testing, which reflects a lack of standardized procedures and an uneven distribution of resources. This study compares the prior DWI arrests, speeding violations and crashes of drivers who tested positive for various drugs to all other drivers. While there are substantial limitations to the analysis, particularly in sample size and selection, the findings suggest the drivers arrested for drugged driving have higher rates of prior unsafe driving incidents than all other drivers. Survey interviews with the target populations reveal an overall lack of training, resources, and testing capacities in Louisiana, as well as a wide range of concerns about per se laws. This study contributes a clearer understanding of existing data limitations and challenges with which states must contend, and presents a series of recommendations for developing a comprehensive approach to dealing with drug-impaired driving in Louisiana and other states moving forward. Details: Baton Rouge: Highway Safety Research Group, Louisiana State University, 2017. 156p. Source: Internet Resource: Final Report 576: Accessed April 10, 2017 at: https://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2017/FR_576.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United States URL: https://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/2017/FR_576.pdf Shelf Number: 144776 Keywords: Driving Under the InfluenceDriving While IntoxicatedDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving |
Author: Risk Solutions Title: Evaluation of the new drug driving legislation, one year after its introduction. A report for Department of Transport Summary: Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 is concerned with 'Driving, or being in charge, when under influence of drink or drugs'. It addresses the offence of driving a vehicle while impaired through consumption of drugs or alcohol. For drink driving, Section 5 of the Act allows for specified limits for how much alcohol can be present in a driver's breath, blood or urine. Until recently, there was no equivalent for drug levels in drivers, with any charges brought for drug driving under Section 4 relying on evidence of impairment while driving and evidence that drugs were present in blood or urine. This changed on 2 March 2015 through implementation of new legislation (Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988) which prescribed upper limits for the level of specific controlled drugs in a driver's blood. The overall objective of the new offence is to improve road safety by reducing the risk that drug drivers pose to themselves as well as other road users, by reducing its prevalence in the driving population . To achieve this the Department for Transport (DfT) aims to: 1. Deter people from taking illegal drugs in the first place and those who abuse their medication. 2. Enable more effective enforcement against those who persist in taking illegal drugs and those who abuse their medication and continue to drive. 3. Increase the efficiency of enforcement activity against drug drivers. This report presents the results of an evaluation of the new drug driving offence. The information provided in this report aims to set out the position of a range of key indicators both prior to the introduction of the new drug driving offence, and approximately one year after its introduction, so that any changes can be identified and evaluated. Details: Warrington, UK: Risk Solutions, 2017. 117p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 18, 2018 at: http://www.risksol.co.uk/media/file/news_files/drug-driving-evaluation-report.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.risksol.co.uk/media/file/news_files/drug-driving-evaluation-report.pdf Shelf Number: 148865 Keywords: Driving Under the Influence Driving While Intoxicated Drug-Impaired DrivingDrugged Driving |
Author: Arnold, Lindsay S. Title: Advancing Drugged Driving Data at the State Level: Synthesis of Barriers and Expert Panel Recommendations Summary: The objective of this project is to identify and recommend strategies for improving statelevel data on the nature and extent of drugged driving in the United States by addressing the most significant barriers that impede state efforts to collect and compile such data. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2012b) Traffic Records Program Advisory Assessment, states need accurate and reliable traffic records data to understand traffic safety problems, and to select and evaluate countermeasures to address the problems and ultimately improve traffic safety. Inadequate state data on drugged drivers limits understanding the extent and nature of the drugged driving problem, communicating it to the public, and measuring how it changes over time and in response to efforts to reduce it. (Berning & Smither, 2014; NHTSA, 2012a, MMUCC Guideline Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria Fourth Edition DOT HS 811 631; National Transportation Safety Board, 2012a, Reaching Zero: Actions to Eliminate Substance-Impaired Driving Forum Summary.) While drugged driving is receiving increasing national attention, especially as a result of state legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use, most state data on drugged driving in its current form is of limited use for measuring and tracking drugged driving incidents, evaluating the effects of changing laws regarding drug use and driving, or improving our knowledge about drug use and driving impairment. In addition to the limitations of existing data, the relationship between the presence and levels of drugs in a driver's body and their impairment or crash risk is further complicated by the number of potentially impairing drugs, the complexity of drug metabolism compared to that of alcohol, the variability of effects on individuals, and individuals using more than one drug or combining alcohol and drug use. Unlike with alcohol, drug concentrations do not necessarily relate to impairment, and drugs may be detectable after impairment has subsided. Threshold concentrations for drugs, similar to the 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC), have not been agreed upon, and may not be feasible. (Government Accountability Office, 2015) Drugged driving is commonly defined as driving under the influence of or impaired by drugs other than alcohol. Some states define drugged driving as drug-positive driving, though the drugs included vary by state. For the purpose of this effort, "drugged driving" refers generally to driving with any detectable amount of illegal or potentially impairing amounts of prescription or over-the counter medications in one's system, which includes driving while impaired by any of these drugs. "Drug-impaired driving" describes driving while impaired by a drug or drugs other than or in addition to alcohol, as differentiated from drugged driving, which includes drivers whose impairment is unknown (e.g., roadside survey subjects). Drugged driving data of interest include data on the prevalence of drugged and drug-impaired driving, drug-impaired driving citation and adjudication data, and toxicology data for drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs and/or involved in serious injury and fatal crashes. The focus of this project is on improving the quality of data related to drugged and drugimpaired driving. Efforts to enforce drugged driving laws generally, and barriers to such efforts, are outside the scope of this project. Improving our understanding of drug use and driving impairment, while important to combating drug-impaired driving and in need of additional research, is also outside the scope of this project. The improved data that would result from implementation of the recommendations in this report, however, should help guide drugged driving enforcement efforts and improve our understanding of drug presence/levels and crash risk. Issues not specific to collection of data on the presence and levels of drugs in drivers, e.g., funding of law enforcement generally, are clearly relevant to improving data on drugged driving and are important to this project, but are not the focus of this project and thus are only briefly mentioned and not discussed at length. Details: Washington, DC: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2016. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 19, 2018 at: https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/AdvancingDruggedDrivingData.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/AdvancingDruggedDrivingData.pdf Shelf Number: 150585 Keywords: Driving Under the InfluenceDriving While IntoxicatedDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged DrivingTraffic Safety |
Author: Fell, James C. Title: Advancing Drugged Driving Data at the State Level: State-by-State Assessment Summary: There is an urgent need for better data on the drugged driving situation at both the state and national levels as this affects our understanding of the extent of the drugged driving problem and how it is changing over time, of ways of communicating the risks to the general public, and of measuring the effectiveness of efforts to reduce it. In order to address this need for better data, in 2015 the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a synthesis of scientific literature on barriers that impede state efforts to collect and compile drugged driving data, and existing recommendations aimed at addressing the identified barriers. An expert panel of law enforcement officials, toxicologists and other traffic safety professionals then used that information to formulate recommendations to improve drugged driving data at the state level (Arnold & Scopatz, 2016). Some of the recommendations in that report were at the national level such as authorizing federal funds for roadside surveys and developing national model specifications for oral fluid drug test devices. Twelve recommendations were at the state level to improve drugged driving data, and are addressed in this report. Methodology Based upon legal research and responses to a survey, state laws, policies, and practices were assessed to determine whether and to what degree they align with recommendations aimed at improving drugged driving data. Results State laws, policies, and practices vary across states and substantial progress is still needed. While most law enforcement officers (LEOs) have been trained in the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, very few have been trained in the "Drugs That Impair Driving" curriculum and the "Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement" (ARIDE) course, which is critical. The SFST training was developed for detecting alcohol impairment while the other two courses are for detecting impairment by drugs other than alcohol. At the time of the review, 15 states reported they authorize the collection and testing of oral fluid for alcohol and/or other drugs, and 10 states reported having pilot testing programs. Most states authorize the testing of drivers fatally injured in crashes and surviving drivers only when there is probable cause. Most states also reported they have improved the implementation and utilization of the Drug Evaluation and Classification program. The majority of states do not expressly authorize electronic warrants which reduce delays in collecting specimens from drivers arrested for DUI. Finally, 41 states reported that LEOs report observed behavioral impairment among surviving drivers in fatal crashes. Details: Washington, DC: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2018. 190p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 22, 2018 at: http://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/NORC-FINAL-REPORT_State-Recommendations-to-Improve-Data-on-Drugged-Drivi....pdf Year: 2018 Country: United States URL: http://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/NORC-FINAL-REPORT_State-Recommendations-to-Improve-Data-on-Drugged-Drivi....pdf Shelf Number: 150639 Keywords: Driving Under the InfluenceDriving While IntoxicatedDrug-Impaired DrivingDrugged DrivingTraffic Safety |