This project investigates the relationship between Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations and analytical toxicology findings to improve the scientific interpretation of drug-impaired driving assessments. While DRE programs are widely used to identify impairment associated with drug use, limited empirical data exist linking specific observed signs and symptoms to measured toxicological findings across drug classes and biological matrices.
By integrating standardized DRE evaluation data with laboratory toxicology results, this research seeks to strengthen the evidentiary foundation supporting DRE conclusions and to better characterize how observed impairment aligns with measured drug exposure. The project bridges behavioral observations, clinical indicators, and analytical chemistry to enhance understanding of drug-related impairment in real-world settings.
Funding Partner
Research Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are to:
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Characterize relationships between DRE indicators and toxicological findings, including drug class, concentration, and polysubstance involvement
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Evaluate the concordance between observed impairment signs and laboratory-confirmed drug presence, with attention to variability across drug categories
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Assess the utility of toxicological data in contextualizing DRE determinations, particularly in cases involving multiple substances or emerging drugs
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Support evidence-based interpretation of DRE outcomes through systematic linkage of behavioral, physiological, and analytical data
This work aims to strengthen the empirical foundation underlying DRE evaluations and improve the scientific transparency of impairment determinations.
Significance and Impact
This project addresses a critical gap in the interpretation of drug-impaired driving investigations by providing empirical data on the relationship between behavioral indicators and toxicological findings.
Key contributions include:
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Enhanced interpretive clarity: Improved understanding of how specific drug classes and combinations manifest in observable impairment
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Support for evidence-based training: Findings can inform DRE education, calibration, and continuing professional development
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Improved forensic consistency: Data-driven insights help contextualize toxicology results in legal and administrative proceedings
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Policy and public safety relevance: Results support data-informed decision-making in traffic safety, enforcement, and public health initiatives
By grounding DRE assessments in empirical toxicology data, this work contributes to more defensible, transparent, and scientifically informed interpretations of impairment.
Outputs and Dissemination
Data collection and analysis for this project is ongoing. We expect this project to generate:
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Peer-reviewed research publications describing the integration of DRE observations with toxicological findings
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Conference presentations and professional training materials for forensic scientists, toxicologists, and law enforcement professionals
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Collaborative datasets supporting future research into drug-impaired driving and polysubstance use
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Methodological frameworks that can be adapted for use by forensic laboratories and public safety agencies
Together, these outputs will support improved cross-disciplinary understanding of impairment and strengthen the scientific foundation underlying drug recognition and toxicology practices.