Recent Research and Reports 

Drivers on illicit drugs: During 2000-2002, alcohol, pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were analysed in blood samples from 855 fatally injured drivers in Sweden. Positive cases increased from 39 percent in 2000 to 46 percent in 2002. Alcohol was the most common (20 to 25 percent of cases). Cases with only alcohol decreased from 90 percent in 2000 to 67 percent in 2002. At the same time illicit drugs increased from 5.4 percent to 10 percent, mainly amphetamine; cases with multiple drug intake increased from 10 percent to 26 percent. The presence of pharmaceuticals alone decreased from 14 percent to 10.4 percent
Holmgren P et al. Alcohol and drugs in drivers fatally injured in traffic accidents in Sweden during the years 2000-2002. Forensic Science International; 151(1): 11-17, June 2005.

EDRs: A colliding vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR), or 'black box' provides valuable details about the vehicle’s performance just before, during and after the crash. In 2004, about 40 million passenger vehicles had EDRs. EDR data from collision investigations offer a powerful new form of evidence in legal proceedings. In the longer term, EDRs will contribute to traffic safety research. Public concerns about EDRs focus on the use of pre-crash data to evaluate a driver’s responsibility for a crash. A comprehensive U.S. report examines the use of EDR data, recommends device enhancements, and explores legal and consumer issues.
Gabler HC, et al. Use of event data recorder (EDR) technology for highway crash data analysis. Transportation Research Board. Washington DC, December 2004.

Myth and reality: Media reports about fires while motorists refuel at gas pumps raised fears about exploding mobile phones. Of the 243 such fires reported around the world between 1993 and 2004, not one involved telecommunication equipment. Many were ignited by static electricity from the human body. If the first contact with metal is the dispenser nozzle, the spark can ignite gas vapours and cause a brief flash fire. The risk is higher when an unearthed container is being filled with fuel. Refilling containers (either metal or plastic) on the back of a pick-up truck is especially hazardous.
Static fires at retail petrol stations: an examination of the myths and facts about fires caused by static electricity and exploding mobile phones. Australian Transport Safety Bureau, June 2005.

Sentencing and recidivism: New Mexico researchers co-related re-arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) with sentencing of four groups of individuals between 1994 and 2001: (1) those convicted and sentenced to a 28-day jail/treatment program; (2) those not convicted; (3) those convicted but not sentenced to jail; and (4) those convicted and sentenced to jail. The probability of not being re-arrested was greatest among those sentenced to the jail/treatment program, and lowest in the group that was not convicted. Length of jail sentence among those convicted but not given treatment did not reduce the probability of re-arrest.
Delaney HD et al. Variations in jail sentences and the probability of re-arrest for driving while intoxicated. Traffic Injury Prevention; 6(2): 105-9, June 2005.

Powered scooters: A study of 10,000 emergency room visits associated with powered scooters revealed that two-thirds of those injured were under 15 years old. Less than half were wearing helmets. Slightly less than half of the scooters were owned by the injured person. The main contributing factor was the operator in 36 percent of cases, the environment in 35 percent, and the scooter itself in 20 percent. Where the scooter was the main factor, the most common problems were: fire hazards, scooter unexpectedly accelerated, and handle bar broke/detached.
Marcy N, Rutherford G. Powered Scooter Special Study.(pdf) Consumer Product Safety Commission, April 2005.