CDME Module 8: Drug Abuse & Alcoholism-Expert Panel Commentary and Recommendations Licit Schedule II Drug Use and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Expert Panel Commentary and Recommendations Licit Schedule II Drug Use and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

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This document is a summary of the Expert Panel Commentary and Recommendations on the safety of using Schedule II drugs by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The panel was tasked with reviewing scientific evidence to determine the relationship between the licit use of Schedule II drugs and the risk of motor vehicle crashes and impairment of driving ability.<br /><br />The panel found a paucity of data meeting the inclusion criteria, making it difficult to draw evidence-based conclusions in some areas. For the relationship between licit use of Schedule II drugs and motor vehicle crash risk, there was insufficient data to determine a correlation.<br /><br />In terms of driving ability, the panel found that the use of Schedule II opioids had a deleterious impact on cognitive and psychomotor function in opioid-naive individuals. However, there was not enough data to draw conclusions about the long-term effects of chronic use of Schedule II opioids or the effects of Schedule II stimulants and depressants.<br /><br />The panel recommended against granting exceptions for CMV drivers using Schedule II opioids and depressants, citing concerns about the risk of abuse and lack of knowledge among treating physicians. They also suggested further study of the risks associated with other controlled substances and over-the-counter medications.<br /><br />Other recommendations included enhancing post-accident procedures, expanding safety education for carriers and drivers, improving guidance for medical examiners, and better defining the criteria for using Schedule II opioids.<br /><br />Overall, the panel emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of CMV drivers and the need for further research in this area to inform regulations and guidelines.

Asset Caption

Hartenbaum NP, et. al.
Presented to the FMCSA, December 9, 2006

Keywords

Schedule II drugs

Commercial motor vehicle drivers

Motor vehicle crashes

Impairment of driving ability

Opioids

Cognitive function

Psychomotor function

Exceptions

Risk of abuse

Research