“We hypothesized that drug intoxication while driving could correspond to specific medical conditions of the detainees. Our objective was to evaluate medical features and addictive behaviours of suspected drug drivers and to collect data regarding assaults or injuries in these individuals.
We conducted a prospective study of suspected drug driving arrestees, who were compared to drink drivers or persons aged over 18 detained for other reasons. Data collected concerned persons’ characteristics, reported assaults, and observed injuries…
Cannabis-only users accounted for 201 of 205 drug drivers (98%).
Suspected drug driving arrestees had good overall health rating.
Drug drivers were younger than controls and requested more rarely medical examination.
They were rarely involved in addiction treatment and reported assaults or presented traumatic injuries less often than drink drivers and controls.
Drug drivers were less often alcohol abusers than controls.
Their opinion on custody was better than that of controls and they were considered unconditionally fit for detention more frequently.
We conclude that arrested drug drivers were young, healthy, and infrequently reported assaults or presented traumatic injuries, which does not put them in a high risk medical condition…”