In Switzerland, drivers may be tested for alcohol in blood, but also for the consumption of drugs that may reduce driving performance. In the state of Geneva, about 1200 alcohol analyses are made each year vs. 50-80 drug analyses only. This paper presents the results of drug screening from 1995 to 1999. A total of 311 urine samples have been tested for 7 parameters (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, methadone, opiates). The results show that cannabis is the most frequent drug, after alcohol. As those 311 samples represent 5% only of all drivers tested, we are planning to make a road side survey during 6 month. During this period, all drivers stopped by the police for a breathalyzer test would be tested for urine also. The interpretation of the results should help us understand if there are more drugged drivers than thought before, and if policemen should be instructed to investigate further even if the driver is drunk.
Samenvatting