ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AMONG BUS DRIVERS

Background: Every day thousands of people are killed or injured on our roads, leaving behind shattered families and communities. Current efforts to address road safety are incomparable to the growing human suffering. One of the most important risk factors for road traffic injuries, is drug abuse. Objectives: Our research team was assigned by oneof the largest factories in Egypt to address this problem after recording several accidents during 2007 year, and to determine the role of drugs as a causal factor in traffic crashes. Methods: All the bus drivers employed in this factory were enrolled in this study. A group of referents (n=20) were randomly taken from workers employed in the samefactory. Urine samples were collected in the presence of one of our paramedics. Drugs screened were the major drugs of abuse such as Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish), Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium) and Barbiturates. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted for opiates (morphine, codeine), amphetamines, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and cocaine. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (GCMS) was used for estimation of antidepressants, methadone, other analgesics and a number of anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines.Results: Thirty two specimens were analyzed. Metabolites of cannabis were the most commonly detected drugs and were found in 7 cases (21.8%), followed by benzodiazepines in 2 cases (6.3%) and opiates in 2 cases (6.3%). Thirteen Drivers (41.9%) had at least one accident per year. Also it was found that the incidence of car accidents is higher among younger age groups. There is a statistically significant positive association between smoking and drug abuse. Statistically significant positivecorrelation was demonstrated between experiencing abnormal psychological behaviours and positive drug abuse. Conclusion: Drug usage found in the studied group of drivers was disturbingly high. The introduction of further initiatives to decrease the prevalence of drug use in motor vehicle drivers is required; however, a follow-up study is needed.The magnitude of this problem has to be studied on a large scale. We recommend preemployment and periodic drug screening for all professional car drivers for safer work practice. Random urine screening for drugs, should also be carried out specially for those who drive on highways.