Analysis of Drug Involvement in Traffic Fatalities in Alabama

Abstract

Toxicology studies were performed on a subset of highway fatalities in Alabama. Results of those tests were analyzed for the years 1980 through 1984. It was found that 63% of driver fatalities tested had some level of blood alcohol concentration. From a smaller subset of the fatalities, it was found that almost 17% tested positively for marijuana. More than 5% of fatalities had some level of drugs (either illicit or prescription) in their blood stream. A statistical significant association was found between diazepam (tranquilizer) and low alcohol blood concentration. Another important finding is that for Alabama, marijuana is a problem drug of young drivers.