Alcohol is well-known to be a major factor contributing to road accidents at more than rather small blood alcohol levels. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that other agents, acting on the central nervous system, impair the skilled performance necessary to good driving and in various tasks, but much less is known about the influence of psychotropic drugs other than alcohol. Complicating factors include the fairly frequent use of mixtures of drugs, and the effects of illness, withdrawal problems, hangovers, and emotional and social problems. Drugs are taken most often for medication, but sometimes also for their intoxicating and stimulating effects. Several researchers have studied the risks of taking tranquilisers. The effect of drugs on drivers' risk taking is also a relevant factor. Some stimulants which improve drivers' reaction times also increase their risk-taking behaviour. This paper discusses several aspects of drugs and driving safety: (1) labelling of medicinal drugs; (2) correlates of alcohol and drug use; and (3) characteristics of drunken and drugged drivers in relation to rehabilitation. It includes a table of drugs considered for analytical studies of drugs and driving; these drugs are classified into cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates and opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sympathomimetic amines.
Samenvatting