title: [Medicinal and illicit drug effects on automobile drivers in the Munster area 1980 to 1989. A retrospective study].
abstract: Chemical and toxicological investigations were carried out on blood and/or urine samples from 367 cases from the years 1980 to 1989 when there was a suspicion of driving under the influence of medication or drugs. During the investigation period no increase in the number of cases was found. This shows a clear discrepancy to the increasing misuse of medication and drugs an subsequently poses a substantial problem in traffic medicine. In 72% of the cases substances were found, which are capable of reducing the psychic and physical competence, most commonly benzodiazepines, barbiturates and opiates. In some cases these substances were present in overdose levels. The proportion of female road-users was 20% of the total. The age group between 20 and 29 was the most strongly represented rein both men and women.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Univ. Münster.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Köhler-Schmidt
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beschorner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008297:Male; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs