Possible Effects of MDMA on Vehicle Driving Competencies

Driving under the influence of alcohol and addictive substances increases accident risk. This article reviews traffic accident statistics from the Slovak Republic and Czech Republic related to alcohol and drugs, then experimentally simulates the visual disruption caused by MDMA using specialized goggles on a driving training ground. The experiments suggest that MDMA-like visual impairment negatively affects spatial orientation, leading to multiple collisions with traffic cones and extending the average time needed to complete the training course.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Safety and security in traffic is a fundamental need of every road user. There are many factors that have a direct impact on this need. It can be assumed that vehicle driving competencies represent one of these factors. A vehicle driver should be vigilant, decisive and capable of practical use of traffic rules implied by the legal system. Addictive substances can disrupt driver’s capabilities hence leading to higher risk of traffic accidents. This article is focused to provide an overview of statistical data of traffic vehicle accidents in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic caused under the influence of alcohol and addictive substances. The article later explores possible effects of psychoactive substance MDMA on driver´s competencies by simulating visual disruption after ingestion of this addictive substance. These effects are tested on driving training ground outside of real traffic. Simulation of visual disruption is caused by using specialized goggles. The findings from conducted experiments suggest that possible visual impairment caused by MDMA has a negative effect on spatial orientation of the driver. Simulation of visual disruption led to multiple collisions on the training ground with traffic cones as well as extension of the average time required for completion of a training course.