NCJ Number
192042
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1426-1433
Date Published
November 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the literature relating to the relevant psychomotor effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy), the relationship between dose and blood concentrations, and studies and case reports on the specific effects of the drug on driving.
Abstract
MDMA is increasing in popularity in the United States as a drug of abuse. It has stimulant and empathogenic mood altering properties, with the potential to affect psychomotor skills and impact driving. The case reports used in the current study included both laboratory driving simulator studies and anecdotal reports, as well as case series. Details were also obtained on 18 cases of apparent MDMA impaired driving, including 6 drivers whose blood tested positive for MDMA alone. Most subjects displayed muscle twitching and body tremors, dilated pupils, slow pupillary reaction to light, elevated pulse and blood pressure, and lack of balance and coordination; most were perspiring profusely. Five of the six subjects were given field sobriety tests (one leg stand, walk and turn test), and all five performed poorly. There was no clear correlation between the blood concentration of MDMA and the specific demeanor of the subject. These findings are consistent with other reports and lead to the conclusion that MDMA use is not consistent with safe driving, and that impairment of various types may persist for a considerable time after last ingestion. 1 table and 48 references