The purpose of the study presented in this scientific poster was threefold: (1) to determine frequency of +benzodiazepine (BZD) tests among injured motor vehicle crash (MVC) drivers; (2) to describe the injury and crash characteristics of these individuals; and (3) to determine the relationship of a +BZD test to crash characteristics, crash culpability and injury severity. This was a hybrid study consisting of a retrospective analysis using data from a previously conducted study on alcohol, cannabinoids, opiates and MVC injury. 708 driver blood samples were available for analysis for BZD. The study suggests that a positive laboratory test for BZD among injured MVC drivers is relatively infrequent. Injured +BZD drivers are more likely to be culpable and to not be wearing a seat belt compared to their -BZD counterparts, however, +BZD patients have lower anatomic injury severity and are less likely to be admitted. A substantial portion of these +BZD drivers may be taking BZDs without appropriate indications. Concomitant alcohol and/or illicit drug use occurs frequently among +BZD patients. Multicenter prospective studies need to be conducted to adequately evaluate the effect of BZD use on MVC injury.
Samenvatting