Understanding the Limitations of Drug Test Information, Reporting, and Testing Practices in Fatal Crashes [Traffic Safety Facts]: Research Note
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2014-11-01
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Alternative Title:Traffic Safety Facts: Understanding the Limitations of Drug Test Information, Reporting, and Testing Practices in Fatal Crashes
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Edition:Research Note
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Abstract:Since 1975, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected data from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico on all police-reported fatal crashes on public roadways. NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) includes data from these fatal crashes in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). This dataset provides a wealth of information on fatal crashes, the roadways, vehicles, and drivers involved. “Impaired driving” includes use of alcohol, or drugs, or both. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results are not known for all drivers in fatal crashes. For crashes with missing alcohol data, NHTSA uses a statistical model called “multiple imputation” to estimate the BAC of a driver at the time of the crash. In contrast, the variables regarding drug test information in crashes is evolving. It does not include estimates for missing data or impairment levels and therefore needs further interpretation. This paper summarizes some of the complexities related to drug-involved driving, notes limitations of drug data collected in FARS, and presents challenges in interpreting, reporting, and analyzing the data.
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Content Notes:Berning, A., & Smither, D. D. (2014). Understanding the limitations of drug test information, reporting, and testing practices in fatal crashes. (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. DOT HS 812 072). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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