NCJ Number
193630
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 315-325
Date Published
November 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study aimed to complement existing research through a qualitative analysis of driving under the influence of drugs.
Abstract
The data used information from 61 individuals recruited in early 2000 in 8 nightclubs in Scotland known for their high levels of drug-using clientele. The participants were all current drug users and had passed their driving test. They took part in semi-structured telephone interviews regarding when and why drug-impaired driving occurred and their feelings about driving under the influence of different types of illicit drugs. Results revealed high levels of drug-related driving and differences between driving after marijuana use and driving after using other drugs in that participants regarded marijuana as relatively safe. Participants expressed limited concern about their ability to drive following drug use. However, many participants said that drug-related driving might be more dangerous than it felt; some had reduced or stopped drug-related driving as they grew older. Findings indicate that individuals who use drugs, attend nightclubs, and have passed their driving test are a high-risk drug-driving group and that prevention programs should target them. Findings also suggest that interventions targeted to marijuana use might best focus on those traveling in the evenings without excluding daytime and long-distance drivers, whereas strategies addressing other illicit drugs should focus on those driving between 2 a.m. and midday on Saturdays and Sundays. 29 references