What is Drugged Driving? Part 2 of 2

Who Are Most at Risk for Drugged Driving?

Anyone that drinks or uses drugs in any form before operating a vehicle drastically increases their chance of getting into an accident. And though this is true for everyone, men are more likely to get into an accident than women. According to a 2010 study by drunkdrivingstats.org, men committed four out of every five DUIs. The study also stated that those who drink and use drugs regularly – more than five drinks per setting – were responsible for over 80 percent of driving accidents in 2010.

Teenagers are also susceptible to drugged driving accidents, primarily due to their limited driving experience in addition to drug and alcohol use. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 16 and 19, and according to a 2016 survey by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistic and Quality, 12 percent of high school seniors said they drove under the influence of marijuana, and 9 percent admitted that they’ve driven while drunk.

What Are the Penalties for Drugged Driving?

Sixteens states in the United States have zero tolerance laws. This means it’s illegal to have any measurable amount of drugs or alcohol in a driver’s system. Seven states have ‘per se’ laws that make it illegal to have any measurable amount of drugs or alcohol in a person’s body above the legal limits.

While penalties for breaking these laws can be strict, such as citations, arrests, jail or prison time, fines, and rehab courses, the most significant penalty of drunk or drugged driving is causing injury or death to yourself or others.

How Can Drugged Driving be Prevented?

The simplest and most effective way to prevent drugged driving is to ensure that you never get behind the wheel while under the influence. If you’ve had any alcohol or drugs, find a designated driver, or use a ride-hailing or taxi service. And if you are already in addiction recovery, it’s best to avoid going to places or events where alcohol and drugs are easily accessible.

Taking care of yourself should be the top priority, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about others. Never let anyone that is drunk or high drive you, or themselves, anywhere. If you aren’t in an appropriate state to drive them yourself, offer to share a taxi or Uber/Lyft. And, if you’ve ever been in an accident while you were a passenger in an Uber/Lyft, contact an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer today.

Although it’s legal for anyone over the age of 21 to consume alcohol, the legal status of drugs varies considerably. The use of marijuana is slowly being legalized in select states, but it is still illegal on a federal level. Doctor-prescribed drugs, such as opiates, are illegal to use without a valid prescription. Other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, LSD, methampetamines, etc., are illegal no matter the state, and use those drugs can result in DUIs, long-lasting injuries, and death.

If you or a loved one was a victim of drugged driving, contact the personal injury lawyers at Flager & Associates today by calling (215) 953-5200. We provide free case evaluations.

For part 1, click here. To learn more about the dangers of drugged driving, visit http://www.quitheroin.com/drugged-driving-statistics/ today.