NCJ Number
164341
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1996) Pages: 505-510
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study assessed whether the patterns of drug and alcohol use in fatally injured drivers in Washington State were consistent with those reported in other jurisdictions, and examined patterns that might assist in traffic accident investigation or drug-impaired driving enforcement.
Abstract
Blood and, when available, urine were collected from fatally injured drivers who died within 4 hours of a traffic accident in Washington State during the period September 1992 through August 1993. Drug and/or alcohol use was a factor in 52 percent of all fatalities. Among single vehicle accidents, alcohol use was a factor in 61 percent of cases compared to 30 percent for multiple vehicle accidents. Drugs most commonly encountered were marijuana (11 percent), cocaine (3 percent), amphetamines (2 percent), together with a variety of depressant prescription medications. Trends noted included an association of depressant use with higher blood alcohol levels, while marijuana use was associated with lower blood alcohol levels. Marijuana use was noted to be most prominent in the 15-to 30-year-old group, stimulant use in the 21-to 40-year-old group, and prescription depressant use in the 45- and-over age group. Drug use demographics in this population are consistent with those noted in other jurisdictions. 4 figures, 2 tables, and 23 references