Abstract
Statistics are presented indicating the level of medicinal and illicit drug use in the general population and detected in drivers involved in accidents. The problems involved in detecting and regulating legal and illegal drugs amongst divers are discussed. Suggestions are put forward including improvements to the clinical trials of medicinal drugs to include the driving task, the use of warning logos on drug containers and future epidemiological studies. It is also suggested that the development of screening for illicit drugs and misused drugs should be speeded up and incorporated into alcohol testing procedures. Recommendations are made for testing procedures.