Drugged Driving

A recent study showed that on any given weekend night one in six drivers tested positive for the presence of drugs, making drugged driving a growing and dangerous problem on our U.S. highways and roads.

Drunk driving has long been recognized as a hazard and championed by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Meanwhile, driving while under the influence of drugs is just as much of a public health concern, but it gets much less attention.

Why Drugged Driving is Getting By

To date, drugged driving laws have lagged behind alcohol legislation, in part because of limitations in the current technology for determining drug levels, and resulting impairment, according to drugabuse.gov. For illicit drugs, there is no agreed upon limit that determines impairment and determining current drug levels can be difficult, since some drugs linger in the body for a period of days or weeks after initial ingestion.

According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 10 million people age 12 and older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the year prior to being surveyed.

The reason drugged driving is so dangerous is that drugs affect the brain by altering perception, cognition, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time and other faculties required for safe driving. While the effects differ depending on the drug, all create some level of impairment.

The problem is sure to gain a higher profile now that President Obama has made it a cornerstone of his strategy to combat drug abuse in the U.S.

How to Stop Drugged Driving

If you or someone you love is drugged driving, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.