The prevalence, risks, and detection of driving under the influence of nitrous oxide
WIREs Forensic Science November 7, 2023 F. Vinckenbosch, Dinesh Durán Jiménez, H. Helmerhorst et al.
Recreational use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is common and produces dissociative, euphoric effects along with ataxia, hypoxia, and reduced consciousness. Despite these effects, which seem incompatible with safe driving, the Netherlands has seen a sharp increase in police reports of nitrous oxide-related traffic incidents since 2016, and similar incidents have been reported in the United Kingdom. This review concludes that driving under the influence of nitrous oxide (DUINO) is a potentially significant but underreported threat to road safety. Based on the drug's pharmacodynamics and documented cognitive and psychomotor effects, severe driving impairment is almost certain. Detection in breath, blood, and saliva is possible, but more research on analytical techniques is needed.