A group of young people who had indicated that they regularly use MDMA were tested in an advanced driving simulator, shortly after the use of MDMA, just before going to a party. The participants were also tested sober, i.e. on a control night at a comparable time. In the simulator they completed a test ride that included driving in an urban environment and on a motorway. Performance was assessed in terms of lateral control (swerving), longitudinal control (speed, headway) and decision making (response to braking manoeuvres of leading cars, gap acceptance while crossing a junction). In addition to performance participants' self-reports on performance and experienced effects were collected. Results indicate that basic vehicle control is only moderately affected. There are, however, indications that under the influence of MDMA subjects accept higher levels of risk.
Abstract