Every year, thousands of people lose their lives in motor vehicle accidents that involve someone under the influence of drugs. While most everyone is aware that driving while intoxicated on alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous, what may not be as well known is the growing problem of drugged driving. As more states legalize marijuana, the issue of drugged driving is becoming even more of a risk on the road.
Drugged driving is the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of any illegal drug or medication that affects mental, motor, or physical abilities. This includes marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, sedatives, and even over-the-counter cold medicine or sleep aids. Research has shown that individuals who are impaired by drugs are more than three times as likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who are not under the influence of any substances.
Drugs impair vision, judgment, coordination, reaction time, and concentration, making it more difficult to control a vehicle and be aware of surroundings. Slower reaction times can be a major factor in car accidents. Drugs also impair a driver’s ability to stay within their lane and stay vigilant of other drivers. This combination of effects can increase the risk of drugged driving related accidents.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of drugged driving is increasing as it can take time before individuals feel the effects of the drugs. This means that a driver could take the drug but not feel its effects until after they have already driven. Also, depending on the drug, it can linger in a driver’s system for several hours after they’ve taken it, and still interfere with motor abilities.
Furthermore, there are many drivers on the road who are taking prescription medications that are just as dangerous as illegal drugs when it comes to driving. The alcohol content in prescriptions can impact judgement, speed, coordination, and multitasking, making them as dangerous as any other drug when behind the wheel.
One of the biggest complications law enforcement officers face when it comes to drug-related driving is the lack of testing available. There is no reliable and efficient method that officers can use to determine if a driver is impaired by drugs. Currently, the only real solution is driving behavior and visual signs an officer can spot to indicate if a person is under the influence of any drugs. It is also difficult to prosecute individuals for drugged driving as there is still a lack of consensus when it comes to proving impairment.
The best way to combat drugged driving is to have an open dialogue with friends and family and remind those around you of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or medications. Simple precautions such as assigning a designated driver, calling a taxi, or avoiding any situation where driving is necessary can also help ensure that an impaired individual does not get behind the wheel. An individual should always wait at least 8 hours after taking any drugs or medications before getting back in the driver’s seat.
Drugged driving continues to pose a real danger on the roads, and more education needs to be done in order to reduce its prevalence. It is important for people to understand the risks of driving while impaired and always do their best to follow all laws and regulations in order to avoid putting others in danger.