Driving on recreational drugs: a qualitative investigation of experiences from behind the wheel

Epidemiological, experimental and psychological studies have provided important insights into drug-driving behaviour. The aim of this paper is to provide a more qualitative perspective on drug driving, including an analysis of the views and experiences of those who drive following the consumption of different types of illicit substance. Sixty-one recreational drug users who had passed their driving test were recruited from Scottish nightclubs to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews. Transcribed data were analysed using grounded theory with the assistance of the computer software package WinmaxPro. Findings revealed high levels of drug driving, but important differences between driving after cannabis and driving after other recreational drugs. Interviewees believed that the effects of drugs on driving were complex and depended on factors relating to the drug, individual and situation. Concern about ability to drive following drug use was limited. Nonetheless, many individuals accepted that drug driving might be more dangerous than it felt and some had reduced or stopped the behaviour as they had grown older. Although there was evident anxiety about being caught by the police for drug possession, the chances of being apprehended for drug driving seemed very remote. To conclude, some suggestions for drug-driving prevention strategies are considered.