To get an insight into the role of licit and illicit drugs in road traffic, in Denmark and abroad, the Danish Ministry of Transport has authorized the Danish Council of Road Safety Research to prepare a report as a basis for potential national intiatives. This paper highlights main findings of international and Danish results. A selection of the most recent international literature has been reviewed. Further, various Danish investigations, such as forensic or other types of in-depth analyses, have been studied. In addition, accident figures for a 10-year-period from 1986-97 have been analyzed. The present situation is charcterized by great uncertainty about the actual prevalence and role of licit/illicit drugs on road safety. The international literature indicates that licit and illicit drugs - either alone or with alcohol - are increasingly found in killed and injured road users. Despite sparse knowledge of Danish conditions, similar trends seem to prevail in Denmark. The report gives a number of recommendations for national initiatives that may be started on a multi-disciplinary basis or within individual Danish authorities to acquire a better knowledge prior to potential intervention programs. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting