People drive just as often under the influence of drugs as they do while impaired by alcohol, according to a new study from Canada.

• Researchers from the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse found that 10% of drivers test positive for drugs and 8% test positive for alcohol.
• In a study by Dr. Douglas Beirness, who is affiliated with the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse, 33% of drivers in fatal automobile crashes were under the influence of drugs, and 38% were under the influence of alcohol.
• The 14,000 crashes in the study occurred between 2000 and 2006, and the most common drugs were depressants, stimulants, and marijuana.

"Illegal, prescription and some over-the-counter drugs can have serious effects on a variety of mental and motor abilities," Dr. Beirness said. "As many of these abilities are critical to the safe operation of a motor vehicle, there is a real need for an impaired-driving awareness campaign inclusive of both alcohol and drugs."

This study was presented at the International Council on Alcohol Drugs and Traffic Safety in Norway.

Labels: alcohol_abuse, drug use, drinking_driving

Posted By: CRC Health Group