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MR 05: Driver fatigue and stimulants (1989)

Summary

The relationship between driver fatigue and the use of stimulants is reviewed. While little information is available about stimulant use by car drivers, Australian and overseas surveys have shown that about 40-60% of long distance truck drivers have recently used stimulants for the purpose of keeping awake while driving. The pharmacology of the most widely used stimulants is discussed, as are effects of these stimulants on driving behaviour. There is currently insufficient evidence to enable conclusions to be drawn about the role of stimulants in road crashes.

Download Complete Document: mr_05 [PDFPDF: 1177 KB]

Type: Research and Analysis Report
Sub Type: Minor Report
Author(s): N Howarth MUARC
Topics: Drugs, Fatigue
Publication Date: 02/10/89