7 October 2002: Drivers who are convicted for taking drugs are up to ten times more likely to die from drug poisoning, accidents and suicide at an early age, than is normal in the population, according to new research from Norway. Drivers convicted of drink/driving are also at considerably higher risk of premature death than the norm.

The drivers in the sample were aged between 20-39 and who had veen convicted of drink or drigged driving in 1992. They were followed up over a 7.5-year period.

The researchers, led by Svetlana Skurtveit, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, found that drivers who had tested positive for drugged drivers generally suffered a standardized mortality rate (SMR) of 18.1 against the population norm of 3.7, while those specifically taking heroin had an SMR of 39.8.

Women in the test group for drugs generally had an even higher risk, at 27.9.

The researcher believe this is a new finding, and studies to confirm it should be carried out in other countries. If verified, the results should lead to the consideration of new public health approaches towards apprehended impaired drivers.