Details:

Creators:
Lamers, C. T. J. ; Ramaekers, J. G.
Lamers, C. T. J. ; Ramaekers, J. G. Less -
Corporate Creators:
Universiteit Maastricht
Corporate Contributors:
United States
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Alcohol Effects Driving Drug Effects Field Tests Human Subject Testing Marijuana Visual Perception
Publication/ Report Number:
DOT-HS-809-020 ; EPU-01
DOT-HS-809-020 ; EPU-01 Less -
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21949/1525466
Resource Type:
Research Paper
Edition:
Final report
Corporate Publisher:
United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to empirically determine the separate and combined effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and alcohol on visual search and actual city driving performance. On separate evenings, 16 subjects were given weight-calibrated doses of THC and alcohol, or placebos for one or both substances as follows: alcohol placebo + THC placebo; alcohol + THC placebo; THC 100 g/kg + alcohol placebo; THC 100 g/kg + alcohol. Alcohol doses administered were sufficient for achieving blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.05 g/dl. The City Driving Test commenced 15 min after smoking and lasted 45 min. The test was conducted over a fixed route within the city limits of Maastricht. An eye movement recording system was mounted on the subjects' head for providing relative frequency measures of appropriate visual search at intersections. General driving quality was rated by a licensed driving instructor. After placebo treatments, subject looked at side streets from the right in 84% of all cases. Visual search frequency of these subjects did not change when treated with alcohol or marijuana alone. However, when treated with the combination of alcohol and marijuana, the frequency of visual search dropped by 3%. Performance as rated on the Driving Proficiency Scale did not differ between treatments. It was concluded that the effects of low doses of THC (100 g/kg) and alcohol (BAC<0.05 g/dl) on visual search and general driving proficiency are minimal when taken alone, but potentially dangerous for traffic safety when taken in combination. /Abstract from report summary page/
Format:
PDF
Collection(s):
NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Research
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:bd665af496d3df57566e9c9787d9464659642c17d6a19ee221902cda62a2efd4
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1675/dot_1675_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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