Quantitative and qualitative changes in substance-related administrative offences in road traffic during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Munich.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic beginning in 2020 led to significant restrictions on social life and mobility, raising concerns about increased substance use across the general population. To investigate whether the pandemic resulted in quantitative or qualitative changes in alcohol and/or drug use in the context of road traffic, a retrospective analysis of toxicological findings was conducted in the city of Munich, considering the local pandemic-related restrictions.

Materials and methods

A total of 6,210 blood samples were analyzed from individuals suspected of committing substance-related administrative traffic offences under §24a of the German Road Traffic Act between January 1, 2019, and July 31, 2021. Samples were examined for the presence of substances, their con

SUBMITTER: Holzer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539698 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature