Citation

Mercier-Guyon C. Transp. Res. Circular 2006; (E-C096): p 78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

It seems difficult to base regulations for medicinal drugs on epidemiological data due to the important number of substances involved. Only the benzodiazepines (BZDs) have shown a sufficient effect on driving ability to induce statistical evidences. The recommendations concerning all the medicinal drugs should be based on a categorization of medicines regarding their effects on driving ability and behavior. The pharmacological classification can be based only on the effects of substances, but regulations also must be based on doses, way of use, and therapeutic indications. The classification introduced in France is based on a three-level warning, with a triangle including a car, printed on the box. Such a system allows to take into account not only the simple pharmacological effect of the substance, but also all other facts concerning the medicinal drug.