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Positive drug test trends in fatally-injured drivers in the United States from 2007 to 2017.


ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The last two decades have seen tremendous changes in the U.S. environment surrounding drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs is a growing public health hazard. The present study examined trends in drug involvement in fatally-injured drivers in the U.S. METHODS:Data were drawn from the 2007-2017 Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Cochran-Armitage tests were performed to assess the statistical significance of changes in the yearly prevalence of positive drug tests in fatally-injured drivers over time. In addition, analyses were stratified by sex, race, and age. RESULTS:The yearly prevalence of positive drug tests in fatally-injured drivers increased significantly from 20.7% in 2007 to 30.7% in 2017, with results showing a higher prevalence among males, those aged 21-44, and Whites. The gap between Blacks and Whites narrowed in 2017. There was a decline in the yearly prevalence in all age groups between 2016 and 2017, although the decrease in the 21-44 age group was much smaller than other age groups. Among drivers who tested positive for drugs, 34.6% had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the threshold of per se evidence for impaired driving, and 63% had a BAC below the threshold. CONCLUSIONS:Our results indicate that the overall yearly prevalence of fatally-injured drivers who tested positive for drugs increased significantly from 2007 to 2017, with similar results found for subgroups. Findings further highlight that drugged driving remains a public health priority, and more action is needed to stem this disturbing trend.

SUBMITTER: Azagba S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6815059 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Positive drug test trends in fatally-injured drivers in the United States from 2007 to 2017.

Azagba Sunday S   Latham Keely K   Shan Lingpeng L   Qeadan Fares F  

Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy 20191025 1


<h4>Background</h4>The last two decades have seen tremendous changes in the U.S. environment surrounding drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs is a growing public health hazard. The present study examined trends in drug involvement in fatally-injured drivers in the U.S.<h4>Methods</h4>Data were drawn from the 2007-2017 Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Cochran-Armitage tests were performed to assess the statistical significance of changes in the yearly prevalence of positive drug tests i  ...[more]

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