The use of psychoactive substances in European traffic: results from the European DRUID-project

Between 2006 and 2011 a large scale research project named DRUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines) was conducted to provide scientific knowledge for combating driving under the influence of psychoactive substances in the European Member States. As part of this DRUID-project roadside surveys have been conducted in thirteen European countries to get more insight in the use of psychoactive substances among drivers in traffic. Information on recent substance use was obtained by collecting blood and oral fluid samples from almost 50.000 randomly selected car drivers. The results show that alcohol is the number one psychoactive substance on European roads, followed by illicit drugs and medicinal drugs. Illicit drugs were mainly detected among young male drivers, during all times of the day, but mainly in the weekend. Medicinal drugs such as benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were mainly detected among older female drivers during daytime hours. The use of substances among drivers in the general driving population in Europe varies largely per country, but general patterns can be distinguished on the level of