Everyone knows that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, but when it comes to driving under the influence of drugs, the lines get a little fuzzy. There are many forms of drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs that one may need to consider before getting behind the wheel. As marijuana is becoming more openly legalized across America, it can be confusing to determine whether or not you are breaking the law.
Driving under the influence of drugs is more common than you may think, and it might even be more common than driving under the influence of alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that after testing drivers in fatal accidents for alcohol or drugs in their system, drugs came back positive at a higher percentage.
How dangerous is drugged driving?
A significant problem with drugged driving is that, even if you are taking legal drugs, the effects of taking the drugs and then driving can have a similar outcome as drunk driving. The issue is that most people do not have the same qualms about driving with legal drugs in their system as they do with alcohol in their system.
Both prescription and over-the-counter medication can affect your mind and your body when you are behind the wheel. You may experience:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Reduced reaction time
Consequences of driving under the influence of drugs
You may or may not know that you can face DUI charges for driving under the influence of drugs, just like you can face charges for driving under the influence of alcohol. If you are under the influence of drugs and the police pull you over due to your inability to drive, they can arrest you.
Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offense, even if it is not often openly discussed. It is important to know the dangers of drugged driving, as well as the consequences.