Citation

Hamnett HJ, Poulsen H. J. Forensic Sci. 2018; 63(5): 1457-1465.

Affiliation

Environmental Science & Research Limited, Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.13747

PMID

29377128

Abstract

In December 2014, the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in both Scotland and New Zealand was reduced from 80 to 50 mg/100 mL. This paper reports a retrospective study comparing changes in the toxicological findings in deceased drivers and motorcyclists before and after the limit change in both jurisdictions. A year of fatal motor vehicle crashes prior to and following the limit change is examined for both countries. In Scotland, there was an increase in drug prevalence among fatally injured drivers and motorcyclists, with the use of all drug groups increasing after the limit change, with the exception of cannabinoids. In New Zealand, there was a reduction in cases involving drugs only, but increases in the numbers of deceased drivers and motorcyclists positive for alcohol only and co-using alcohol and drugs.

© 2018 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Language: en

Keywords

drink-drive limit; drug driving; fatality; forensic science; motor vehicle crash; road traffic accident