Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Abstract

This paper outlines the nature and extent of drug use among drivers and examines the similarities and differences among the characteristics of those who drive after alcohol use and those who drive after using drugs. Data from three separate sources were used. First, data from the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) provided information on self- reported driving after alcohol and drug use. Roadside surveys of drivers conducted in British Columbia in 2008 and 2010 provided information on the prevalence of alcohol and drug use among nighttime drivers. Data on alcohol and drug use by fatally injured drivers were obtained from the Fatality Database, which houses information on the results of toxicological tests conducted by coroners on fatally injured drivers in Canada from 2000 to 2007. The findings reveal notable differences in the characteristics of drinking drivers and those who test positive for drugs. Men outnumber women among drinking drivers by a considerable margin. Drinking drivers tend to be somewhat younger than those who drive after using drugs; however, the youngest group of drivers comprise a larger proportion of drug-using drivers than drinking drivers. The paper also examines drinking patterns, time of day and day of week variables to further distinguish between alcohol and drug-using drivers. The findings provide greater understanding of the nature and extent of the use of psychoactive substances by drivers and the characteristics of those who engage in these behaviours. The results also provide new knowledge that can contribute to the development of prevention and enforcement efforts to improve overall road safety in Canada.

Douglas J, Beirness, Erin Beasley