This study is based on a sample of 717 drivers presenting to two emergency departments for treatment of motor vehicle injury. Data were collected on presence of alcohol and drugs, demographic factors, history of alcohol and drug abuse, crash characteristics, and measures of injury. Based on analyses of blood samples drawn within six hours of the crash, alcohol was found to be the major drug associated with injury. Marijuana, cocaine, and opiates were identified in slightly over 14 percent of the drivers, but almost half of these also had elevated blood alcohol levels. Those patients testing positive for drugs but not alcohol had crashes that were very similar to those of drivers testing negative for both testing negative for both alcohol and drugs. These findings are not consistent with studies reporting that illicit drugs are a major factor in motor vehicle crashes. (A)
Abstract