Drugged Driving Statistics

Drugged driving is a real problem. Every day in the United States, people get behind the wheel after using drugs and driving. Drugged driving is just as treacherous as drunk driving and can have deadly consequences. In this blog, our team at Michles & Booth, P.A. will highlight some scary statistics, including how you can stay safe on the road if you encounter an impaired driver.

General Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 56% of drivers involved in severe injury and fatal car crashes tested positive for at least one drug. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), back in 2016, more than one million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of narcotics and alcohol. The study also found that marijuana users were around 25% more likely to be involved in a crash than those drivers with no trace of marijuana use.

What Substances Can Cause Impairment?

Many substances can impair an individual's ability to drive. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, making it difficult to operate a vehicle safely.

Similarly, illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can also impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. Alcohol is perhaps the most well-known driving impairment, as it can affect an individual's vision, reaction time, and decision-making. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can significantly impact driving ability, so it is important to always wait a few hours after drinking before getting behind the wheel.

Drive Cautiously

Suppose you come across a drugged driver while out on the road; there are some things you can do to navigate safely around them. First, remember that drugged drivers can be impaired in many ways, including slowed reaction time, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. If you see a drugged driver behaving erratically, give them a wide berth, and don't try to pass them.

It's also a good idea to avoid making sudden moves or changes in direction, as this could startle or confuse the drugged driver and lead to an accident. If possible, try to call 911 and report the drugged driver to authorities. By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the roadways.

We Can Help

Our car accident attorneys can assist you with pursuing legal action. To reach a member of our team, call us at 850-438-4848 or visit our website to fill out a consultation request form. You deserve justice and peace, and we will do everything in our power to give that to you.