Journal
TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION
Volume 10, Issue 3, Pages 231-236Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
DOI: 10.1080/15389580902826817
Keywords
Drug driving; Oral fluid; Roadside drug screening
Funding
- internal Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland/Motor Accident Insurance Commission
- Queensland University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee
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Objective: Random roadside oral fluid testing is becoming increasingly popular as an apprehension and deterrence-based countermeasure to reduce drug driving. This article outlines research conducted to provide an estimate of the extent of drug driving in a sample of drivers in Brisbane, Queensland. Methods: Oral fluid samples were collected from 1587 drivers who volunteered to participate at random breath testing (RBT) sites. Illicit substances tested for included cannabis (delta 9 tetrahydrocannibinol [THC]), meth/amphetamines, and cocaine. Drivers also completed a self-report questionnaire regarding their drug-related driving behaviors. Results: Oral fluid samples from 58 participants (3.7%) were confirmed positive for at least one illicit substance. The most common drugs detected in oral fluid were ecstasy (n = 35) followed by cannabis (n = 20). Similarly, cannabis was confirmed as the most common self-reported drug combined with driving. Nevertheless, individuals who tested positive to any drug through oral fluid analysis were also more likely to report the highest frequency of drug driving. Conclusions: This research provides evidence that drug driving is relatively prevalent on some Queensland roads, and thus the behavior presents as a serious road safety threat. This article will further outline the study findings and present possible directions for future drug driving research.
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