Abstract
The role of alcohol, prescribed drugs, and illicit drugs in causing road accidents is considered and suggestions are made for reducing the problem. The considerable amount of evidence available linking alcohol with accident causation is outlined. Laws brought in to address the problem and the campaign for random breathtesting are described. Difficulties in studying the effects of prescribed drugs are outlined. The drugs found most frequently in drivers involved in accidents are diazepam and the benzodiazepine group as a whole. Features of these drugs are listed and advice is given to prescribers. A network of independent medical advisors is recommended to advise the licensing authority and to carry out clinical forensic examinations.