Methodologies for relative risk estimations of driving while impaired and results so far

Objectives: To describe the various relative risk estimations of driving while impaired within the DRUID project (Driving under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines) and results so far. Methods: Risk estimates for drug impaired drivers are based on linkage of drugs in drivers in traffic to drugs in injured drivers, of medication records to accident data and of responsible and non-responsible drivers involved in accidents with drugs as well as without.

Results: The prevalence of drugs in accident involved drivers will be compared to the prevalence of drugs in the general driving population, resulting in a calculation of the relative risk for drug drivers of being seriously injured in an accident. The influence of confounding factors (like gender, age, day of the week and time of the day) will be adjusted for.

Risk estimations will also be based on a comparison of individual medication records with the person’s accident data. The impact of specific medicinal drug use patterns will be revealed, like the risk associated with the first period after the start of medication Finally, the relative risk for being responsible for a fatal accident or being killed as a driver while impaired will be based on drivers who are responsible for the accident and those who are not.

Conclusion: Relative risk estimates will serve as input to recommendations for drug thresholds in relation to traffic safety, classification of medicines and guidelines to medical and pharmaceutical practice. Disclaimer This abstract has been produced under the project “Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines” (DRUID) financed by the European Community within the framework of the EU 6th Framework Program.

This abstract reflects only the author's view. The European Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.