This study reports on the methodological experiences of a study that formed part of a Europe-wide investigation of the impact that drugs, medications and medical conditions have on road safety. The three participating countries were the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom. The drugs screened for were benzodiazepines, codeine, other opiates, amphetamines, ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and alcohol. The prevalence of these substances were compared in the saliva of injured drivers and control drivers who had not been involved in accidents within the central Glasgow area. In partner countries the case samples were collected from both fatally and non-fatally injured drivers. For the control samples, drivers of cars and vans were stopped on a random basis and samples taken from consenting drivers whose anonymity was emphasised. Each driver also answered a questionnaire about their use of alcohol, drugs and medicines. Ethical constraints limited the usefulness of the data that could be obtained. Ecstasy and cannabis were the most prevalent drugs in use by drivers. For the covering abstract see ITRD E138063.
Samenvatting