The Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec conducted a roadside survey in June 2001 on truck drivers to assess their use of alcohol and/or drugs. SAAQ motor carrier enforcement officers intercepted a total of 2,803 truckers who were asked to take part in the survey, of whom 2,679 (96%) eligible drivers agreed to participate. Of that number, 2,172 (81%) gave a urine sample, 2,541(95%) a saliva sample and 2,629 (98%) a breath sample. Chemists at the Centre de toxicologie du Quebec were entrusted with analysis of the biological samples. The roadside collection of samples required elaborate planning. Achieving optimal participation was kept in mind in setting up the survey, which was considered in that light under all its aspects. Only two truck drivers (0.03 %) had a BAC above 0.08, while another 6 (0.2 %) had a BAC between 0.02 and 0.08. According to the toxicological analysis of urine samples, drugs were found in the following proportions: cannabis (4,8 %) , amphetamines (2,9%), cocaine (1,4 %), opiates (0,6%) and benzodiazepines (0,3%). (Author/publisher) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD Abstract No. E201067.
Samenvatting