Abstract:

Driving behavior and driving skills are among the main elements that make the risk of a traffic accident. Driving under the influence of alcohol and substances is a major traffic problem that causes deaths, material damage and injuries. In this study, researching the frequency of alcohol, substances and drugs in professional drivers is aimed at evaluating the relationship between these substances and the driver's behavior and skills. Tools and methods: The work was carried out with 90 professional car drivers working in 4 different districts of the İzmir province. The survey form, which includes questions on the driver's socio-demographic and substance use, was applied to Fagerström Nikotin Addiction Test (FNBT), CAGE Alcohol Scanning Test, Driving Behavior Measurement (SDÖ) and Driving Skills Measurement (SBÖ). The data has been statistically analyzed with the SPSS 18.0 program (p<0.05 meaning level). Results: Drivers are between the ages of 20-67 and the average age is 42.9±12.7. 46.7% of drivers have been professional drivers for more than 20 years. The majority of drivers have smoking (57.8%) and alcohol (63.3) use. 55.6 percent of drivers said they used pain remedies at least once a lifetime in order to raise attention and/or stay awake, 12.2 percent used calming drugs, 1.1 percent used steroids, 20 percent used anesthesia, 3.3 percent used amfetamin-type stimuli (ATS) and 2.2 percent used synthetic anesthesia. There has been a meaningful relationship between alcohol and drug use and errors, rules breaches and the average score of safe driving skills. The conclusion is that the treatment of the driving behavior under the influence of alcohol, substances and medications will be beneficial in practice from a psychological, psychiatric and judicial toxic point of view. The results of our study and the proof of the material testing in the workplace and traffic environment have shown that it is important and should be actively implemented.

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