Drugs and Driving

Abstract

Drug driving is a complicated subject influenced by a multiplicity of factors, not least the difficulties associated with the toxicological analysis of a growing number of psychoactive substances that may be used alone or in combination by drivers. The implementation of rigorous medico-legal procedures are complicated by the circumstances under which testing must occur. The screening test will usually be undertaken under variable conditions (at the roadside) and where time is of the essence, particularly with regard to the relationship between the sample collected for confirmatory purposes (once in custody) and the road traffic incident. Many countries have introduced drug-driving legislation for the purpose of enforcement measures to deter the use of illegal substances, including cannabis, cocaine and the amphetamines, when intending to drive, and to improve road safety for drivers themselves and other road users. Additionally, there is growing evidence that those under the influence of psychoactive medicines may in certain circumstances be unfit to drive. The different approaches to drug-driving legislation and the evidence regarding driver safety for those driving under the influence of a variety of different drugs is discussed.