Drivers consuming alcohol and drugs have 3 times higher changes to fatal crash

A study conducted at Columbia University`s Mailman School of Public Health assessed the association of driver drug use, as well as the combination of drugs and alcohol, with the risk of fatal crash. The group of researchers discovered that drug use is associated with a significantly increased risk of fatal crash involvement, particularly when used in combination with alcohol. This study provides critical data for understanding the joint effect of alcohol and drugs on driving safety. “The possible interaction of drugs in combination with alcohol on driving safety has long been a concern”, said Dr. Li, who is also professor of Anesthesiology at Columbia. “While alcohol-impaired driving remains the greatest threat to traffic safety, these findings about drugged driving are particularly salient in light of the increases in the availability of prescription stimulants and opioids over the past decade”.