NCJ Number
161339
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 8 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (July-December 1992) Pages: 185-205
Date Published
1992
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the findings from Canadian studies that examined the incidence of alcohol and drug use among drivers of trucks and buses; it also updates the findings from the national studies and integrates the results of another independent survey conducted in one Province.
Abstract
The two primary sources of data are the results of tests performed on body fluids of drivers for the presence of alcohol or other drugs and self-reported information about drug use and driving. The findings show that alcohol is found in collision- involved truck and bus drivers in quantities and frequencies that warrant concern; for example, slightly less than 20 percent of the fatally injured drivers of tractor trailers have been drinking. Self-report data also indicate that alcohol use by truck and bus drivers is significant. Although the self-reported use of other drugs is substantially lower than the reported use of alcohol, there is evidence to indicate that at least for a subset of the drivers, the use of impairing substances on the job is not uncommon. Objective data from tests on blood or urine specimens is scarce; however, what does exist is generally consistent with the self-reported data. Although it is evident that the use of alcohol and other drugs by truck or bus drivers is sufficiently frequent to pose a safety risk, the real extent and characteristics of the problem still cannot be properly gauged, owing to severe limitations in the available data. 6 figures, 10 tables, and 41 references