Driving Performance of Drug-Impaired Bus Drivers in Work Zone Areas

There are several safety issues in work zone areas due to decrease in lane width, and presence of large equipment and on-site workers. The safety issues are compounded for drivers that are also drug impaired. In this study, the authors examine the driver performance of 18 commercial bus operators in a simulated environment while they are under the influence of a benzodiazepine drug (Triazolam). The findings show that those drivers under the influence of the drug had higher steering entropy and greater difficulty staying close to the intended travel lane when compared to those who were not under the influence of the drug. These wider travelling distances around work barrels, by those under the influence of Triazolam, could have a potential impact on the safety of nearby construction workers and heavy machine operators.