Screening for drugs in oral fluid: Illicit drug use and drug driving in a sample of Queensland motorists
(2007) Screening for drugs in oral fluid: Illicit drug use and drug driving in a sample of Queensland motorists. Drug and Alcohol Review 26(3):pp. 301-307.
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Abstract
Introduction and Aims: Police Services in a number of Australian states have indicated random roadside drug testing will be implemented to target drug driving. This paper outlines research conducted to provide an estimate of the prevalence of drug driving in a sample of Queensland drivers. Design and Methods: Oral fluid samples were collected from 781 drivers who volunteered to participate at Random Breath Testing (RBT) sites in a large Queensland regional area. Illicit substances tested for included cannabis (delta 9 tetrahydrocannibinol [THC]), amphetamine type substances, heroin and cocaine. Drivers also completed a self-report questionnaire regarding their drug-related driving behaviour. Samples that were drug-positive at initial screening were sent to a government laboratory for confirmation. Results: Oral fluid samples from 27 participants (3.5%) were confirmed positive for at least one illicit substance. The most common drugs detected in oral fluid were cannabis (delta 9 THC) (n = 13) followed by amphetamine type substances (n = 11). A key finding was that cannabis was also confirmed as the most common self-reported drug combined with driving and that individuals who tested positive to any drug through oral fluid analysis were also more likely to report the highest frequency of drug driving. Furthermore, a comparison between drug vs drink driving detection rates for the study period revealed a higher detection rate for drug driving (3.5%) vs drink driving (0.8%). Discussion and Conclusion: This research provides evidence that drug driving is relatively prevalent on Queensland Roads. The paper will further outline the study findings and present possible directions for future drug driving research.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | Drug driving; oral fluid; roadside drug screening |
| Subjects: | 350000 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services > 350400 Transportation > 350405 Road and Rail Transportation 320000 Medical and Health Sciences > 321200 Public Health and Health Services > 321206 Preventive Medicine |
| ID Code: | 8332 |
| Deposited By: | Schnyder, Anthony J. |
| Deposited On: | 29 June 2007 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09595230701247764 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2007 Taylor & Francis |
| Copyright Statement: | First published in Drug and Alcohol Review 26(3):pp. 301-307. |
| Additional Information: | Author contact details: je.freeman@qut.edu.au |