Citation

Wehr K, Maier RD. Proc. Int. Counc. Alcohol Drugs Traffic Safety Conf. 1981; 1981: 303-314.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, The author(s) and the Council, Publisher International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents toxicologic findings from specimens of 145 drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or ethanol in the period 1974-1979, in the region of Aachen (Aix La Chapelle). 78 blood samples accompanied with urine samples and 67 urine samples were available for analysis. Since 1977 the number of persons increased, who were arrested in border traffic, routine traffic controls and accidents. The number of this last cause was constant over the observed period. The positive results of analyses for illicit and therapeutic drugs showed increasing tendency from 1976/1977, the negative results too. Morphine dominated in the group of illicit drugs; benzodiazepines were prevalent among the therapeutic drugs, followed by hypnotics (barbiturates, methaqualone and bromoureides). Illicit drugs findings predominated under aged 30. Findings of therapeutic drugs were more frequent at an age of 30 years and more. With regard to a higher traffic safety it is emphasized in suspected cases to take samples of blood and urine, completed by a skillful medical examination. (TRRL)