Driving under the effects of drugs of abuse: studies of oral fluid

Abstract

-Introduction:This study includes the evaluation of the use of drugs of abuse ratio in leisure environments, in order to determine which drugs are the most widely used, which are normally used in poly-consumption. Methods: Total sample rise to 216 cases which were collected on the road by traffic police and analyzed by an on-theroad driving test of possible consumption. Positive samples were confirmed by GC/MS-MS. Results: It was detected positive samples for the studied drugs (cocaine, heroin metabolites (6-MAM), amphetamines/methamphetamines and cannabinoids (Δ 9 -THC)). Sample shows a high degree of poly-consumption of different drugs differently distributed. The most widely detected drug of abuse as a single consumption has been cannabis and cocaine. The rest of the drugs were always mixed. The greater combination in poly-consumption is cannabis-cocaine. Conclusions: It is important to notice the high ratio of positive results in drivers. However, the tendency to poly-consumption of drugs of abuse mixed with alcohol is confirmed. Thus, it is necessary to consider the mixed/alternated use of ethylometers and on-the road detection kits of drugs of abuse in oral fluid to improve the traffic security.

Effects of alcohol (BAC 0.5‰) and ecstasy (MDMA 100 mg) on simulated driving performance and traffic safety

“…The best-known member of the ecstasy group of drugs is 3.4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), but other analogues are also sometimes found in ecstasy tablets (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), MDEA). The drug is commonly used in social scenes such as dance events and is frequently combined with other drugs such as cannabis and amphetamines and (most frequently) alcohol (Brookhuis et al 2004 ; Nabben et al 2007 ; Mora et al 2009 ).…”

Drivers under the influence of drugs of abuse: quantification of cocaine and impaired driving

“…Statistical data related to drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents in Catalonia (Spain) demonstrated that 6.9% tested positive to the presence of drugs 6 and the prevalence of drugs of abuse found in OF of drivers in Catalonia has been reported before. 7 During 2007, the Generalitat de Catalonia carried out drug detection tests in OF of drivers 8 and obtained a positive result in two out of every three tests. The police set up their controls using an immunoassay Cozart DDS, taking the sample when impaired driving was observed.…”