scholarly journals Consumption, risk factors, and the impact of psychoactive substances in road transport by professional drivers: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. e58057
Author(s):  
Aldo Pacheco Ferreira ◽  
Eduardo Dias Wermelinger ◽  
Ellen de Moraes e Silva
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Psychoactive Drugs ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Professional Drivers ◽  
The Impact

Traffic accidents are a serious public health problem, especially in developing countries. Driving under the influence of psychoactive substances, such as illicit drugs, can significantly increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. This fact potentiates the probability of serious traffic accidents occurring, making it necessary to combat them with seriousness and urgency. Many road traffic crashes are related to sleepiness and/or fatigue. In addition to long driving hours, important contributors to fatigue among professional drivers are insufficient night-time sleep and insufficient rest breaks. Research data on the topic show that several psychoactive drugs alter the motor and cognitive capacity of users, however, most of these studies pointed out such outcomes based on the prevalence of illicit drug use in professional hospitalized drivers. Despite the existence of laws against driving doped, the effectiveness of these laws in controlling the problem is questionable. For this research, the study was conducted to highlight and discuss, by a descriptive review, the consumption of psychoactive substances among professional drivers, and the role of working conditions in the prediction of such use. Data about drug use were obtained in this review aims to contribute for the development of preventive measures, especially public policies on the risks of driving while under the influence of psychoactive drugs.

scholarly journals Forensic and pharmaceutical research on the impact of drugs on the safety, life and health of road users within the organization of pharmaceutical business, drug technology, pharmaceutical and medical law in Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
V.V. Shapovalov (Jr.) ◽  
V.A. Shapovalova ◽  
V.V. Shapovalov
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Safety ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Pharmaceutical Research ◽  
Psychoactive Drugs ◽  
Medical Law ◽  
Road Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Users ◽  
Drug Technology ◽  
The Impact

Background. Around the world, drug-related road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death among road users. Traffic safety is a system that includes the following components: a person – a person's health condition – the use of dangerous drugs of different classification and legal groups – adverse drug reactions – a vehicle – a road. The share of road traffic accidents under the influence of drugs is more than 75 %, they are also the most socially dangerous, because they have grave consequences, cause irreparable harm to the health and death of the victims. The purpose of the study was to analyze the achievements of forensic and pharmaceutical researches in Ukraine on the impact of drugs on the safety, life and health of road users within the framework of the organization of pharmaceutical business, drug technology, pharmaceutical and medical law in a retrospective aspect. Materials and methods. The materials of the imperative research were legislative, regulatory and legal documents; materials of the formation of the scientific school of forensic pharmacy; scientific publications on the topic of the article; Internet resources, sources of scientific literature. To achieve the set goals, the methods of forensic and pharmaceutical, regulatory, documentary, bibliographic, comparative, historical and graphic analysis were used. Results. The experience of the countries of the world in the prophylaxis and prevention of road traffic accidents under the influence of drugs was analyzed. The causes and conditions for the occurrence and consequences of road traffic accidents are multifactorial in nature and are associated with the victims (driver - pedestrian), vehicle, road conditions, and the use of psychoactive drugs. A system of organizational, regulatory and preventive measures has been developed to provide first medical aid to victims of a road traffic accident. Shown that there is a need for scientifically grounded organizational and legal, clinical and pharmacological, forensic pharmaceutical and socio-economic studies on causal relationships between adverse reactions due to the use of drugs of various classification and legal groups, traffic safety and road traffic accidents. For the first time in Ukraine, a mathematical model was proposed to establish the effect of psychoactive drugs on the driver's condition when driving a vehicle, depending on the calculation of the stopping path of the car in accordance with the selected speed and a decrease in the driver's response. The structure of road traffic accidents under the influence of psychoactive drugs has been investigated. Conclusions. A classification of first-aid kits for providing first medical aid to victims of road traffic accidents was proposed, which made it possible to substantiate the need to improve them both in qualitative and quantitative composition, depending on the type of vehicle and the likelihood of an accident with serious consequences. Recommendations were proposed for providing information on the possibility of obtaining medical care and the signal-calling system on the roads, marking the packages of psychoactive drugs with a special mark in the form of a red triangle. The need for further forensic pharmaceutical research has been proven.

scholarly journals The Impacts of Climate Change on Road Traffic Accidents in Saudi Arabia

Climate ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Mazharul Islam ◽  
Majed Alharthi ◽  
Md. Mahmudul Alam
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Road Traffic Accidents ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

The potential costs of road traffic accidents (RTAs) to society are immense. Yet, no study has attempted to examine the impact of climate change on RTAs in Saudi Arabia, though RTA-leading deaths are very high, and the occurrence of climatic events is very frequent. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of climate change on RTAs in Saudi Arabia and to recommend some climate change mitigation and adaptation policies to make roads safe for all. This study employed annual data from 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, from 2003 to 2013. The data were analyzed on the basis of panel regression models—fixed effect, random effect, and the pooled ordinary least square. The findings show that temperature, rainfall, sandstorms, and number of vehicles were statistically and significantly responsible for RTAs in Saudi Arabia in the study period. This study also found that RTAs both inside and outside cities significantly caused injuries, but only RTAs inside cities significantly caused death. Furthermore, the death from RTAs injuries was found to be statistically significant only for motor vehicle accidents. The findings will assist policymakers in taking the right courses of action to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change through understanding climate influence on RTAs.

scholarly journals Pattern of head injury in central India population

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 3515
Author(s):  
Rajeshwar S. Pate ◽  
Rohan C. Hire ◽  
Mohit V. Rojekar
Keyword(s):  
Head Injury ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Central India ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Road Traffic Accidents

Background: In India, the developing economy and growing population simultaneously made a strong impact on increase in motor vehicle population. This increase in motorization has some adverse effects such as increase in road accidents with economic and functional loss. Head injury is the most common cause of mortality in road traffic accidents. The aim of this study was to know the incidence, pattern, mechanism, mode of head injury along with its distribution in relation to site of vault fracture and intracranial hemorrhage.Methods: Total 391 post-mortem cases of head injury were enrolled during study period. The information regarding age, sex, residence, marital status, date and time of time of accident and of death was gathered from police inquest report, relatives, dead body challan and clinical details from hospital records. During autopsy, detailed examination was carried out and data regarding both external and internal injuries were carefully recorded and analyzed.Results: The peak incidence of head injury was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. Most of deceased were from early age group and the male deceased were more than females. Majority victims of head injury were from road Traffic Accidents followed by fall from height, railway accidents and assault. Fissured fracture of vault was found in almost half cases. Subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage were the most common one we encountered.Conclusions: Head injury due to RTA is well known public health problem causing death and disability. It is required from concerned government authority to take appropriate and immediate measures for reducing the incidence of head injury.

scholarly journals Representations of Psychoactive Drugs’ Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6000
Author(s):  
Marek A. Motyka ◽  
Ahmed Al-Imam
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Mass Culture ◽  
Film Music ◽  
Psychoactive Drugs ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Staying At Home

Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs.

scholarly journals Assessing inequality, irregularity, and severity regarding road traffic safety during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Lin ◽  
Feng Shi ◽  
Weizi Li
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Traffic Safety ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Critical Conditions ◽  
Road Traffic Safety ◽  
Accident Data ◽  
The Impact

AbstractCOVID-19 has affected every sector of our society, among which human mobility is taking a dramatic change due to quarantine and social distancing. We investigate the impact of the pandemic and subsequent mobility changes on road traffic safety. Using traffic accident data from the city of Los Angeles and New York City, we find that the impact is not merely a blunt reduction in traffic and accidents; rather, (1) the proportion of accidents unexpectedly increases for “Hispanic” and “Male” groups; (2) the “hot spots” of accidents have shifted in both time and space and are likely moved from higher-income areas (e.g., Hollywood and Lower Manhattan) to lower-income areas (e.g., southern LA and southern Brooklyn); (3) the severity level of accidents decreases with the number of accidents regardless of transportation modes. Understanding those variations of traffic accidents not only sheds a light on the heterogeneous impact of COVID-19 across demographic and geographic factors, but also helps policymakers and planners design more effective safety policies and interventions during critical conditions such as the pandemic.

scholarly journals The impact of traffic law enforcement on road accident fatalities in Botswana

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thuso Mphela
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Road Accident ◽  
Driver Behaviour ◽  
Traffic Law ◽  
Traffic Law Enforcement ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Impact

Botswana has one of the highest rates of increase in road traffic accidents and fatalities in the world. The amendment of road laws came with stricter penalties for road offences which included higher fines and longer jail terms. This study uses multiple regression analysis subjecting variables to backward stepwise regression with a view to assessing the impact traffic law enforcement has had on fatalities in Botswana after the review of the Traffic Act of Botswana in 2008. The study uses secondary data and interview data obtained from law enforcers. The findings reveal that the enforcement of the new road laws has achieved little in the reduction of fatalities. Increasing the minimum driver licensing age may be a panacea to road accidents. Licensed drivers in the age group 30 to 45 years have the lowest rate of fatalities. The study questions the ability of punitive policies (i.e. road fines) to reduce fatalities. It offers that driver behaviour should be studied to come up with relevant policies.

scholarly journals Describing the Programme on Methadone Maintenance Therapy in Selangor, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Vengketeswara Rao ◽  
Nor Asiah Muhamad ◽  
Salmah Nordin ◽  
Ruziaton Hasim ◽  
Siti Nurhani Rafan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Methadone Maintenance ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Methadone Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Drug Use Disorders

INTRODUCTION: Drug addiction and drug abuse is a serious public health problem worldwide. Millions of people worldwide suffered from drug use disorders, directly and indirectly, attributable to drug use and included deaths related to HIV and hepatitis C acquired through unsafe injecting practices. Many parts of the world have a shortfall in prevention and treatment for drug use disorders, with only less than 10% of people with drug use disorders receiving treatment yearly. Medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence like Methadone is used in maintenance therapy or detoxification helps people with drug use disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Secondary data from an existing electronic dataset in Ministry of Health (MOH) from 2015 until 2019, which includes registered patients who had undergone Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) either government or private facilities were included. The dataset divided into few domains namely socio-demographic, treatment modalities, clinic location and history of infection. RESULTS: A total of 37 various government and private facilities deliver MMT programme in the state of Selangor offered to a total of 5337 patients. The youngest patients were in the early twenties and oldest were in late seventies. The median age of patients was 45 years and the majority were males. Most of them were having secondary education (SPM holder) and below. Most of MMT programme takers were opioid drug users then followed by Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS) as the second most used. Among MMT programme takers, about 34.1% were reactive for Hepatitis C, 6.6% reactive for HIV, 4.2% reactive for Hepatitis B and 1.7% acquired tuberculosis infection. Almost 5% of MMT takers had passed away, which the three main causes of death were AIDS, alleged motor vehicle accident and septic shock. None of MMT takers was died due to methadone. CONCLUSION: It is a great concern of the nation in combating drug-related problems due to the growing number of substance abusers. This review concluded that the MMT programme that widely available had shown a positive outcome by keeping lower mortality among MMT patients.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Fatal Injuries reported in the mortuary of a tertiary care hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 633
Author(s):  
Subrat Kumar Pradhan ◽  
Himansu Prasad Acharya ◽  
Rudra Prasanna Mishra ◽  
Jay Kumar Panda ◽  
Durga Madhab Satapathy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Fatal Injuries

Background: Injuries are an increasingly recognized global, preventable public health problem and are an important cause of mortality and morbidity in adult population. The major causes of injury related deaths may be intentional and unintentional. The major unintentional or “accidental” causes are road traffic accidents (RTAs), falls and drowning whereas the leading intentional causes are suicide and homicide. A robust Surveillance System for Injury Mortality is almost non-existent in our country due to which the data for the same is not available and haphazard. Keeping these factors in mind, the following study was under taken to identify the various epidemiological factors related to fatal injury cases.Methods: A record based retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine, VSSIMAR, Burla, Odisha. The data were collected from the autopsy reports preserved at the Dept of FM & T, VSSIMSAR. Variables like age, sex, number of injury cause of death, place of death etc. were collected. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using proportions and percentages.Results: The age group 25-44 years recorded the maximum number of deaths (37.49%). Males suffered the highest casualty accounting for 61.85% of deaths. Unintentional fatal injuries constituted 63.58% of deaths. The most number of fatal injuries resulting in deaths were RTAs (36.41%).Conclusions: The age group 25-44 years recorded maximum deaths. Males were the major death victims. RTAs constituted maximum of deaths among unintentional fatal injuries. Homicidal injuries constituted maximum of deaths due to intentional fatal injuries.

scholarly journals Using the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Inference Systems to Compare the Impact of Speed and Space Perception on the Occurrence of Road Traffic Accidents

Mathematics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1548
Author(s):  
Marjana Čubranić-Dobrodolac ◽  
Libor Švadlenka ◽  
Svetlana Čičević ◽  
Aleksandar Trifunović ◽  
Momčilo Dobrodolac
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Fuzzy Inference ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Space Perception ◽  
Road Traffic Accidents ◽  
Inference System ◽  
Interval Type ◽  
The Impact

A constantly increasing number of deaths on roads forces analysts to search for models that predict the driver’s propensity for road traffic accidents (RTAs). This paper aims to examine a relationship between the speed and space assessment capabilities of drivers in terms of their association with the occurrence of RTAs. The method used for this purpose is based on the implementation of the interval Type-2 Fuzzy Inference System (T2FIS). The inputs to the first T2FIS relate to the speed assessment capabilities of drivers. These capabilities were measured in the experiment with 178 young drivers, with test speeds of 30, 50, and 70 km/h. The participants assessed the aforementioned speed values from four different observation positions in the driving simulator. On the other hand, the inputs of the second T2FIS are space assessment capabilities. The same group of drivers took two types of space assessment tests—2D and 3D. The third considered T2FIS sublimates of all previously mentioned inputs in one model. The output in all three T2FIS structures is the number of RTAs experienced by a driver. By testing three proposed T2FISs on the empirical data, the result of the research indicates that the space assessment characteristics better explain participation in RTAs compared to the speed assessment capabilities. The results obtained are further confirmed by implementing a multiple regression analysis.

scholarly journals Peno-scrotal degloving injury following motor vehicle accident—a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aabishkar Bhattarai ◽  
Niraj Thapa ◽  
Bijaya Karki ◽  
Alok Atreya
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Sexual Assaults ◽  
Scrotal Skin ◽  
Voiding Function ◽  
Vehicle Accident ◽  
Degloving Injury ◽  
Male Genital

Abstract Male genital injuries in the form of avulsed laceration of penis and scrotum are less frequent injuries in urological practice. The cases that occur are mostly caused by road traffic accidents, animal attacks, machinery-related accidents and physical/sexual assaults. Here, we report a case of a 28-year-old male with avulsion and traumatic degloving of the penile and scrotal skin with the exposure of the cavernous and spongy penile body, bilateral testes and total amputation of scrotal skin secondary to motor vehicle accident from Nepal. The patient was managed by emergency surgical debridement and reconstruction of the avulsed penile skin and burial of testis in the medial thigh pockets with primary suturing and hemostasis of the amputated scrotal region, which healed with satisfactory esthetic results with normal voiding function and erection of penis.

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