AOHC Encore 2022-114: Beyond DOT

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Michelle Waters, a medical officer with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), gave a presentation titled "Beyond DOT Drug Testing: Toxicological Evaluation in NTSB Accident Investigations." She explained the NTSB's role as an independent federal agency charged with investigating transportation accidents and promoting safety in transportation. Dr. Waters discussed how the NTSB goes beyond the drug testing requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to gather more comprehensive and sufficient toxicological information in accident investigations.<br /><br />She provided examples of accident investigations where toxicology played a role in determining the cause. In one case, a truck driver who caused a fatal accident was found to have a history of using synthetic cannabinoids, which likely contributed to his impairment and incapacitation. In another case, a pilot involved in a crash had high levels of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) in his system, which impaired his reaction time and flying performance.<br /><br />Dr. Waters also shared findings from a safety study conducted by the NTSB on drug use trends in aviation for fatally injured pilots. The study found an increasing trend in the prevalence of drug use among pilots, with sedating antihistamines, sedating pain relievers, and diphenhydramine being the most common potentially impairing drugs detected.<br /><br />She emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential impact of both prescription and over-the-counter medications on safety-sensitive functions and accident causation. Dr. Waters also highlighted the need for standardized drug testing procedures and the dissemination of information to pilots and other stakeholders to improve awareness and promote safety.<br /><br />Overall, the presentation focused on the NTSB's approach to evaluating toxicology in accident investigations and the significance of drug use in transportation safety.

Keywords

Dr. Michelle Waters

National Transportation Safety Board

NTSB

DOT Drug Testing

Toxicological Evaluation

Accident Investigations

Transportation Accidents

Drug Use Trends

Safety Study