News / Health & Wellness
Obama Tackles Drugged Driving
It’s a lesser-known problem than drunk driving, but it’s just as deadly, and the President has the issue in his sights.
The Obama administration rolled out a new national drug plan and is focusing on prescription drug abuse, drug use prevention and drugged driving.
The latter is a lesser known problem that needs more attention, especially after a recent study showed that on any given weekend night, one in six drivers tested positive for the presence of drugs.
Drunk driving has long been recognized as a hazard and championed by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs is just as much of a public health concern, but it gets much less attention.
Drugged Driving Laws
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.
President Obama says, “by boosting community-based prevention, expanding treatment, strengthening law enforcement, and working collaboratively with our global
partners, we will reduce drug use and the great damage it causes in our communities."
The President’s newly unveiled strategy was developed primarily by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Drug Rehab
If you or someone you love is battling a drug addiction, call The Canyon at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
