Driving under the influence of non-alcohol drugs--An update. Part II: Experimental studies

Forensic Sci Rev. 2016 Jul;28(2):79-101.

Abstract

Experimental studies on the impairing effects of drugs of relevance to driving-related performance published between 1998 and 2015 were reviewed. Studies with on-the-road driving, driving simulators, and performance tests were included for benzodiazepines and related drugs, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, GHB, ketamine, antihistamines, and antidepressants. The findings in these experimental studies were briefly discussed in relation to a review of epidemiological studies published recently. The studies mainly concluded that there may be a significant psychomotor impairment after using benzodiazepines or related drugs, cannabis, opioids, GHB, or ketamine. Low doses of central stimulants did not seem to cause impairment of driving behavior.

Keywords: Amphetamines; DUID; benzodiazepines; cannabis; cocaine; drugged driving; experimental; hypnotics; impaired driving; impairment; opioids.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Benzodiazepines / administration & dosage
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects
  • Cannabis / adverse effects
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Driving Under the Influence*
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Histamine Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Histamine Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Ketamine / administration & dosage
  • Ketamine / adverse effects
  • Sodium Oxybate / administration & dosage
  • Sodium Oxybate / adverse effects
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Ketamine
  • Sodium Oxybate