Everything You Need to Know About Drugged Driving
When many people think about driving under the influence, they may picture alcohol. However, somebody can also drive under the influence by misusing prescription drugs. Through drugged driving, drivers, passengers, and others who share the road become at-risk. Drugged driving is extremely dangerous because of the effects it has on drivers. For instance, Marijuana can slow reaction time and impair judgment. For drivers who take cocaine or methamphetamines, they may become aggressive and reckless when driving. And when a driver takes sedatives, they may become dizzy and drowsy. This can increase the chances of a vehicle crash.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health taken in 2014, 10 million people 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs. Marijuana is the drug that is most found in the blood of drivers involved in these crashes. Many studies have shown over the years that drivers with THC in their blood were almost twice as likely to be responsible for a deadly crash or be killed than drivers who had not used drugs. These crashes tend to be most deadly when involving teens, as they are more likely to speed and allow less distance between vehicles, especially when using illegal drugs.
Preventing These Accidents
Social strategies are put in place to help prevent people from getting behind the wheel of a car while they are impaired. Here are some steps that people take:
- Offer to be a designated driver
- Appoint a designated driver to take car keys
- Get a ride to and from parties
- Discuss the risks with friends and family in advance
During the next few months, more drivers will be hitting the roadways for spring and summer fun. This is why it is important to remember the risks of drugged driving, all year round. Call us if you have been injured in one of these serious accidents.
