NCJ Number
166790
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 93-98
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Data from 1,158 cases submitted to the drugs and driving database maintained by the Drugs and Driving Committee of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science provided information on the main drugs involved in impaired driving and fatal traffic accidents in Canada.
Abstract
The analysis focused on drugs other than alcohol and covered cases as of November 12, 1994. The cases included 767 impaired driving cases and 391 cases involving fatalities. Results revealed that the major drug classifications reported for impaired driving and fatal traffic accidents are benzodiazepines, marijuana, stimulants, opioids, and barbiturates. The most frequently reported drug in each group was diazepam, THC, cocaine, codeine, and butalbital, respectively. Alcohol was frequently detected in combination with these drugs. Findings indicated that the involvement of drugs in driving is possibly a significant factor reducing highway safety in Canada. Drugs that should be targeted for drug education purposes include diazepam, marijuana, cocaine, codeine, and butalbital. Tables and 7 references (Author abstract modified)