Driving vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohol coupled with the taking of medicine has become a topic of major interest during the last few years. In addition to a review of the research conducted concerning this matter, the author gives the conclusions he has come to as a result of his own study. This study, which is based on material gathered from the questioning of apprehended DWI-drivers (driving while intoxicated by alcohol), points out that: (1) in the last ten years the combined use of alcohol and medicinal drugs has greatly increased (from 8.8 to 23.2%); (2) the combined use of alcohol and these drugs prevails in cases where there is suspicion of an alcoholic problem; (3) women more readily admit to a combined usage than men; (4) where there has been an accident, the highest score goes to drivers under the combined influence of alcohol and medicinal drugs. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting