Citation

Blaschke J, Dennis M, Creasey F. ITE J. 1987; 57(6): 33-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Four primary topics concerning the effects of alcohol and other drugs on drivers are discussed: alcohol and drug-related accidents; research areas; alcohol and its effects; and other drugs and their effects. It is noted that more than 50% of all fatal accidents involve drinking. Research areas considered here were as follows: identification and analysis of accident rates and causation factors; laboratory task testing; driving simulation; and real driving conditions. Accident statistics are also discussed. It is pointed out that impairment of driving abilities that could result in traffic accidents occurs at blood alcohol concentration levels as low as 0.05%. It is also noted that the present laws on drunk driving could be misleading the public into thinking that drinking and driving is safer than it is.