In this paper the author reviews epidemiological studies of drivers involved in accidents, while taking alcohol or drugs. Whilst the emphasis is on Finnish studies, the author includes many worldwide studies. It is concluded that alcohol is the most prevalent source of driver impairment. After alcohol, cannabinoids and benzodiazepines are the groups of drugs most frequently found among drivers. Benzodiazepines are the most frequently used class of medicinal drugs, although a decline in the use of benzodiazepines has been seen in many countries. Multidrug use is common, as well as the combined use of alcohol and drugs. In USA, cocaine and PCP are often found as well. Amphetamine is commonly detected in the Nordic countries. The proportion of opiates in central European studies is higher than in the Nordic ones. The frequencies of drugs vary greatly in the published literature and there is a lack of comparable studies.
Abstract