In order to assess the consumption of drugs by drivers in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, a roadside survey was conducted during 3 months. Following accident or erratic driving, drivers stopped by the police were submitted to a breathalyzer test. In case of positive result or suspicion of drug consumption, urine was taken in addition to blood. Urine was analyzed by immunoassays and GC/MS. Blood analysis was performed by chromatographic methods on urine-positive cases to determine if the suspect was under the influence at the time he/she was driving. During the study, 140 samples were analyzed. 78% were positive for alcohol (greater than 0.8%). Average BAC was 1.36%. 44% of the drivers were positive for drug(s) other than alcohol. Cannabis was the most frequently detected drug (27% of all cases) followed by benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, methadone and amphetamines. Cannabis was also the only drug detected in 51% of drivers below age 25. (Author/publisher) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD Abstract No. E201067.
Samenvatting