With the rampant abuse of illegal and prescription drugs becoming a growing concern throughout the United States, more states are addressing one of the dangerous consequences of drug use: driving while under the influence of drugs. While the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol have been long established, the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs are just now being recognized and addressed.
Driving under the influence of drugs, also known as drugged driving, is a particularly dangerous form of impaired driving because the effects of substances vary from person to person, depending on their gender, weight, age, the amount consumed, and the type of drug. Drugged driving can range from mild to severe, including problems with coordination, attention, judgment, and reaction time.
When someone drives under the influence of drugs, they are at an increased risk for accidents, particularly in comparison to drivers who have consumed no alcohol or drugs at all. The risks are even higher if the driver has consumed both drugs and alcohol, as the effects of the two together can be more intoxicating and impairing than either drug or alcohol alone. The result can be fatal or life-altering accidents that can wreak havoc on victims and their families.
Law enforcement is making an effort to improve drugged driving awareness and reduce the number of drugged driving on the roads. There are now specific laws for each state that address driving under the influence of drugs, including mandatory testing for drugs and other punishments for those found driving under the influence.
The way these laws are enforced can help to deter individuals from engaging in drugged driving, as well as help to protect the safety of the general public. For example, some states use the mandatory testing for drugs as part of a larger strategy to combat drugged driving. Law enforcement may administer the tests either at a mandated sobriety checkpoint, during a traffic stop, after the vehicle has been stopped for a suspected violation, or after the driver has been involved in an accident.
If an individual is found to be driving under the influence of drugs, they can face serious consequences, which may include costly fines, license suspension, and even jail time. One of the most effective deterrents is the installation of an ignition interlock device, which requires a driver to pass a breathalyzer before the vehicle can start. In some states, those who are convicted twice of drugged driving are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.
There are also a variety of educational programs aimed at helping to promote awareness about the dangers of drugged driving. These programs provide information about the risks and consequences of this behavior, as well as specific methods that individuals can use to protect themselves against making these poor choices.
In addition, there are organizations throughout the US that provide support to individuals who have been affected by the dangers of drugged driving. Such organizations focus on providing information, resources, and advocacy in an effort to reduce, prevent, and repair the damage associated with impaired driving and the dangerous consequences that often follow.
Whether someone is prescribed drugs or uses illegal substances, it’s critical to remember that the safest decision is always not to drive if the individual is affected by drugs in any way. Ultimately, the decision to drive under the influence of drugs can have tragic results, endangering the safety of the driver, their passengers, and everyone else on the roads. By taking a proactive approach to prevent drugged driving and promoting awareness about the serious consequences, we may be able to reduce the incidence of this dangerous behavior in the future.