Drivers who use illicit drugs: behaviour and perceived risks

This exploratory research was conducted in response to concern about preval ences of illicit drugs in drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents in Vict oria, Australia. Five focus groups (36 participants in all) and a field sur vey (160 participants) were used to investigate the perceptions and behavio urs of drivers who use illicit opiates, stimulants and cannabis. The partic ipants were aware of many drug effects which may impair driving ability, bu t believed they were not at significantly increased risk of accidents. For many participants, drug use was closely linked to driving; most of the hero in and amphetamine users drove to purchase their drugs and frequently used drugs inside a car. Some of the amphetamine users who deliberately drug-dro ve reported alarming attitudes and behaviour. Few participants were concern ed about the illegality of their driving behaviour, and nearly 10% were dri ving unlicensed. Heroin users perceived drug-induced tiredness as an accide nt risk, and reported frequently experiencing this condition. Altering drug -driving behaviour is likely to be difficult, given drug dependence for som e users and heavy reliance on private motor vehicles for transport in Melbo urne, but also because of conflicting scientific evidence linking impairmen t to the use of most illicit drugs.