The determination of non-alcoholic substance use in drivers: Why? How? Where? [Sürücülerde alkol dişi madde kullaniminin saptanmasi: Neden? Nasil? Nerede?]

This article describes the background, legislations and new approaches in Turkey for control of drug use of drivers. In recent years, in parallel to the widespread use of illicit drugs, the number of drivers affected by drugs is also increasing. It is well established that alcohol impairs driving ability and increases the risk of accidents. New studies show the contribution of illicit drugs to fatal/nonfatal road accidents. With the addition of social, economical and cultural factors, the traffic of drugs has resulted in an increased ratio of drugs of abuse and addiction in our country which is located in a crowded transition area (UNCLEAR). Drinking and driving have become less socially acceptable. Awareness has also grown about the impairment caused by other drugs. Driving under the influence of a legal (prescription drug) or an illegal drug as a controlled substance is controlled by law (Turkish Road Traffic Act 2918 and Related Legislation-Section/ 97 Prohibition for DUI of alcoholic beverages narcotics and euphoric substances). In addition, using screening tests on the road (on-site tests) requirement for controlling DUID is compulsory in order to ensure security of our country's roads from materials including saliva, and sweat to determine the drivers who are under the influence of drugs, according to important developments in EU countries in recent years. Proof of drug consumption requires analysis of a body fluid to identify the drug. The various methods of drug analyses in alternative samples each have problems with respect to sample collection, handling, and transportation as well as toxicological assays used. Therefore the determination of illicit drug use in drivers and its influence on driving is very important. Many prescription drugs, especially sedative-hypnotic or strong analgesics, are classified as controlled substances Also, it should be kept in mind that many addicted patients who constitute a considerable proportion of psychiatric patients may be drivers. Apprehension and punishment of people who chose to drive while impaired has become a higher priority. More stringent controls and onsite tests should be adopted. In this article, drug testing regulations on drivers were evaluated based on legal, social and toxicological principals and the requirements of international standards are discussed.