Simulated car driving as a useful technique for the determination of residual effects and alcohol interaction after short- and long- acting Benzodiazepines.

Test results highlight the necessity of screening hypnotic and tranquilizing drugs concerning their influence on car driving performance at different times after intake and under conditions of interactions with psychotropic drugs, especially alcohol. In view of future methodological requirements a revised model of driving simulation is presented. It is based on a coherent description of the system "driver- vehicle environment" at the level of visual conditions, vehicle behaviour and driver performance.