NCJ Number
157856
Journal
Public Health Reports Volume: 100 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1985) Pages: 19-25
Date Published
1985
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Data from 440 male drivers ages 15-34 who were killed in traffic crashes in California were analyzed to determine the extent of drug use and the causal role of drugs in crashes.
Abstract
The drivers were killed in Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, and San Diego counties during 1982 and 1983. The sample was limited to drivers who died on impact or within 2 hours of the crash to minimize the effects of metabolism and elimination on drug concentrations. State highway patrol reports were reviewed to determine driver responsibility for the crash. Results revealed that alcohol was detected in 70 percent of the drivers, marijuana in 37 percent, and cocaine in 11 percent. Each of 24 other drugs was detected in fewer than 5 percent. Two or more drugs were detected in 43 percent. Except for alcohol, drugs were rarely found alone; typically, they were found in combination with high blood alcohol concentrations. The causal role of drugs in crashes was assessed by comparing drivers with and without drugs in terms of their responsibility for the crash. Alcohol was associated with increased crash responsibility. The role of other drugs could not be adequately determined. Tables and 18 references (Author abstract modified)