3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) and Driving Impairment

Abstract

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, is increasing in popularity in the United States as a drug of abuse. It has stimulant and empathogenic mood altering properties with the potential to affect psychomotor skills and impact driving. This report reviews the literature relating to the relevant psychomotor effects of the drug, the relationship between dose and blood concentrations, and studies and case reports on specific effects of the drug on driving. The latter reports include both laboratory driving simulator studies and anecdotal reports, and case series. We also report details of eighteen cases of apparent MDMA impaired driving, including six drivers whose blood tested positive for MDMA alone. Most subjects displayed muscle twitching and body tremors, dilated pupils, slow pupillary reaction to light, elevated pulse and blood pressure, lack of balance and coordination, and most were perspiring profusely. Five of the six subjects were given field sobriety tests (one leg stand, walk and turn test), and all five performed poorly. There was no clear correlation between the blood concentration of MDMA and the specific demeanor of the subject. These findings are consistent with other reports, and lead to the conclusion that MDMA use is not consistent with safe driving, and that impairment of various types may persist for a considerable time after last use.

Acute Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on Behavioral Measures of Impulsivity: Alone and in Combination with Alcohol

“…The lack of mitigating effects of MDMA on alcohol-induced impairment on measures of impulsivity or risk tasking may be of particular importance in terms of road safety issues. Most of the MDMA-impaired driving cases that have been reported in the scientific literature consist of drivers who have taken multiple drugs and/or alcohol (Logan and Couper, 2001). The present data indicates that the CNS-stimulating effects of MDMA do not suffice to overcome alcohol-induced impairment of motor control, which is one of the most common causal factors in vehicle crashes.…”

Criminal Involvement Among Young Male Ecstasy Users

“…While the level of ecstasy-associated crime appears fairly low overall, instances of drugassisted rape and vandalism have been reported (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2002). Another crime associated with ecstasy use is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (Logan and Couper, 2001; Lenton and Davidson, 1999), and studies in some cities have linked ecstasy use with prostitution and firearms violations (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2001;McNulty and Carr, 2002).…”

Effects of MDMA (ecstasy), and multiple drugs use on (simulated) driving performance and traffic safety

“…Basal aspects of cognitive performance, such as visual-spatial performance, are not acutely affected (Krystal et al 1992;Parrott and Larsky 1998), although there are indications that there are longterm effects on memory and reaction times by heavy users (Verkes et al 2001). So far, acute effects of MDMA on car driving performance have been documented only with respect to skills that are related to car driving, and in the form of case studies (Logan and Couper 2001). Schifano (1995) gave some examples of extreme driving behaviour leading to traffic accidents after dance parties involving, amongst others, MDMA use.…”