[Clinical and behavioral approach].
During decades, the detection of alcohol related impairments was the main target for behavioral examination in drivers. The implementation of legislations on illegal drugs and driving, mainly cannabis, has led to an adaptation of the procedures by requiring, from the policemen, an evaluation of external signs of consumption, signs not anymore searched in case of alcohol. The current procedure in France consists in a medical evaluation by a required medical doctor, and based on the Field Sobriety test. This battery was nevertheless established for policemen and used by them in more than 40 countries. A present trend in the French authorities pushes to a back step to a chemical detection of drugs by policemen, by using saliva tests. This approach should have, in their opinion, the advantage of testing drivers without asking them to leave their car for an external evaluation. In our opinion, only a behavioral approach, could help the policemen to have at their disposal, relevant procedures for all situations, especially to face the increasing consumption of cannabis in drivers.
Mercier-Guyon
C
C
Centre d'études et de recherches en médecine du trafic, BP 132, F 74004 Annecy Cedex. cermtcmg@wanadoo.fr
D001334:Automobile Driving; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D016495:Police; D011597:Psychomotor Performance