Recommendations for Toxicological Investigation of Drug-Impaired Driving and Motor Vehicle Fatalities-2021 Update.

This report describes updates to the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division's recommendations for drug testing in driving under the influence of drug (DUID) cases and motor vehicle fatalities. The updates are based on a survey of drug testing practices in laboratories in the USA and Canada, a comprehensive review of the prior recommendations and data and research on drugs most frequently detected in DUID cases. A consensus meeting was held with representative forensic science practitioners and the authors of this report to update recommendations.

Recommendations for Toxicological Investigation of Drug-Impaired Driving and Motor Vehicle Fatalities-2017 Update.

This report describes the outcomes of a process undertaken to review and update the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division's recommendations for the toxicological investigation of suspected alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases and motor vehicle fatalities. The updates to the recommendations are made based on a survey of practices in laboratories in the USA and Canada performing testing in these cases, consideration of existing epidemiological crash and arrest data, current drug use patterns, and practical considerations of widely available technology platforms in laboratories performing this work. The final recommendations updates are derived from a consensus meeting of experts recruited from survey respondents and the membership of the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drug and Impairment Division.

Zolpidem and traffic safety - the importance of treatment compliance.

Zolpidem is among the most frequently prescribed hypnotic drugs for those who suffer from insomnia. Recent media reports drew attention to driving impairment after zolpidem misuse. This review summarizes the available data on the effects of recommended use and misuse of zolpidem on driving ability and traffic safety.

Dextromethorphan in Wisconsin drivers.

Dextromethorphan is a synthetic analogue of codeine used in hundreds of over-the-counter medications for its antitussive effects. There have been numerous reports of dextromethorphan abuse by young adults. Dextromethorphan can produce psychoactive effects similar to that of marijuana, and higher doses will produce dissociative effects, including sensory enhancement and hallucinations.

Evaluation of ten oral fluid point-of-collection drug-testing devices.

Previously, the laboratory evaluations of six point-of-collection oral fluid (POC-OF) drug testing devices were reported. Four additional devices, Oralstat (American Bio Medica); SmartClip (Envitec); Impact (LifePoint); and OraLine IV s.a.

Forensic Toxicology Program: alcohol and drug testing in Wisconsin drivers.

The Forensic Toxicology Program of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) provides analytical and support services to assist in the identification of alcohol- and/or drug-impaired drivers and to assist in determining cause of death. These services are provided to law enforcement agencies, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and county medical examiners and coroners. Program staff is active in alcohol and drug training, policy-making, and research on a national and international level.