Citation

Schechtman E, Shinar D. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2005; 37(5): 852-861.

Affiliation

Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Ben Gurion Blvd, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2005.04.003

PMID

15935319

Abstract

In this study, we propose formal models and algorithms to detect drug impairment and identify the impairing drug type, on the basis of data obtained by a Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) investigation. The DEC program relies on measurements of vital signs and observable signs and symptoms. A formal model, based on data collected by police officers trained to detect and identify drug impairments, yielded sensitivity levels greater than 60% and specificity levels greater than 90% for impairments caused by cannabis, alprazolam, and amphetamine. For codeine, with a specificity of nearly 90% the sensitivity was only 20%. Using logistic regression, the formal model was much more accurate than the trained officers in identifying impairments from cannabis, alprazolam, and amphetamine. Both the formal model and the officers were quite poor in identifying codeine impairment. In conclusion, the joint application of the DECP procedures with the formal model is useful for drug detection and identification.