DUI Car Accident

Drugs that may cause impairment are either purchased illegally or given in prescription form. There are several types of drugs that can cause drowsiness and impair judgement. When someone uses these drugs before or while driving, it can lead to serious car accidents.

Injury Claims and Drugged Driving

Each year, personal injury claims result from drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs. These accidents can lead to personal injuries and financial difficulties for victims. If an accident causes the death of the victim, the dependents of the victim may claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Effects of Drugged Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three types of drugs are commonly used in drug-related DUI violations. These are over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and prohibited drugs. Many drivers are not even aware that they should not be driving after consuming certain prescription drugs.

Some types of drugs may cause drowsiness and others may cause judgement issues. Distractions, both outside and inside the vehicle, may cause a collision. The drug may cause lethargy. The driver may become unable to make sound decisions and may move erratically. Body coordination may be affected, which can cause uncontrolled stopping, slowing, speeding, and running into objects. Consumption of drugs may also affect a driver’s mental alertness. Certain drugs may cause a disconnected feeling, euphoria, and even seizures.

If a medication causes drowsiness, the driver should pull over to the side of the road and refrain from driving. Each year, more than 100,000 drowsy driving accidents are reported. These accidents are responsible for more than 70,000 injuries, 1,500 fatalities, and over $12 billion worth of financial losses annually. NHTSA also reports that of all nighttime and weekend accidents, more than 15 percent are caused by drugged drivers. 18 percent of those killed in these accidents tested positive for drug use.

Drugs that Lead to Impairment

Drugged driving can refer to the use of recreational drugs such as:

• marijuana
• cocaine
• morphine
• heroin
• methamphetamine
• amphetamine
• ecstasy
• PCP

Legally purchased prescription drugs and over-the-counter prescription drugs include:

• anti-depressants
• decongestants
• valium
• anti-anxiety medications
• antihistamines
• hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• sleeping pills

Recreational drugs lead to impairment as they induce a state of drowsiness. Certain recreational drugs also cause hallucinations, an increase in aggressive and reckless behaviour, and dizziness. Prescription drugs can cause a drugged driver to experience drowsiness, disconnection and lapses in judgement, lethargy, loss of coordination and loss of mental alertness. Some medications can cause seizures. In addition, if recreational drugs and prescription drugs are consumed with alcohol, the results are far more dangerous.

Drugged Driving Statistics

• According to a 2014 study released by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 10 million individuals 12 years and older were reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
• The same survey reported that comparatively, men are more prone to drugged driving than women and the percentage of drugged driving is higher among young adults between the ages of 18 to 25.
• A 2010 study indicated that 47% of drivers who tested positive for drugged driving had consumed prescription drugs, 37% consumed marijuana, and 10% had consumed cocaine.
• A NHTSA study in 2009 revealed that about 18% of drivers killed in car crashes tested positive for drugs.
• In 2010, about one-fourth of drivers in deadly drug-related crashes were 50 years or older and tested positive for narcotics and anti-depressants.
• Drugged driving is a leading cause of death among those aged 16 to 19 years.