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Drugs, driving, and models to measure driving impairment

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Drugs, Driving and Traffic Safety

Abstract

Research into the effects of various drugs on driving performance is becoming more important as epidemiological studies indicate that the incidence of drugs in drivers is increasing. Considering that this type of research is likely to guide laws and behaviours, it is important that the tests being used to determine whether certain drugs are impairing are sensitive, valid and reliable. This chapter presents the most common tests used in research to evaluate behaviours relating to driving. The research varies from the use of simple cognitive tasks, to simulators, and to driving in real traffic. The findings suggest that there are limitations to various methods of testing; however, considerations and precautions can be taken to ensure that we measure relevant processes and use sensitive tests for drug impairment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Katherine Owens (nee Papafotiou), Road Safety and Drug Use Unit, Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia

    Katherine Owens

  2. Dept of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands

    Johannes G. Ramaekers

Authors
  1. Katherine Owens
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  2. Johannes G. Ramaekers
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Utrecht University Faculty of Science Section Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Joris C. Verster

  2. Somnogen Inc., 8790 112th Street, New York, NY, 11418, USA

    S. R. Pandi-Perumal

  3. Experimental Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology Faculty of Psychology and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Johannes G. Ramaekers

  4. Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Johan J. de Gier

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© 2009 Birkhéuser Verlag/Switzerland

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Owens, K., Ramaekers, J.G. (2009). Drugs, driving, and models to measure driving impairment. In: Verster, J.C., Pandi-Perumal, S.R., Ramaekers, J.G., de Gier, J.J. (eds) Drugs, Driving and Traffic Safety. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-9923-8_3

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