CONTACT US: Contact info
|
Citation |
Cheng JY, Chan DT, Mok VK. Forensic Sci. Int. 2005; 153(2-3): 196-201. |
|
Affiliation |
Forensic Science Division, Hong Kong Government Laboratory, Ho Man Tin Government Offices, 88 Chung Hau Street, Hong Kong SAR, China. jcheng@govtlab.gov.hk |
|
Copyright |
(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing) |
|
DOI |
|
PMID |
16139110 |
|
Abstract |
This study is designed to evaluate the correlation between fatal vehicle crashes (FVC) and consumption of alcohol and/or drugs among drivers. Between 1996 and 2000 in Hong Kong, a total of 197 FVC cases of deceased drivers were investigated. The blood and/or urine samples of the victims were examined for the presence of alcohol and drugs. The 197 cases were then classified into two groups: single-vehicle crashes (SVC) and multiple-vehicle crashes (MVC). Out of the 106 cases for the latter group, alcohol and/or drugs were detected in 22 cases (21%) while the remaining 84 cases (79%) were regarded as no significant finding. As for the 91 cases in SVC group, 51 cases (56%) were positive for alcohol and/or drugs. The findings indicate that a driver consuming alcohol and/or drugs has a higher risk of being involved in a FVC. The most frequently detected drugs for SVC group (11 cases) were: 46% central nervous system (CNS) stimulants (including designer drugs like MDMA); 36% cannabis; 18% benzodiazepines and 9% ketamine. The detected drug for the only case in the MVC group was a CNS stimulant. The number of cases with ketamine, methamphetamine and MDMA detected has increased in recent years as these party drugs have gained popularity in Hong Kong. Language: en |