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Personal Injury

Because people make a choice to drive while under the influence (DUI) the dangers are likely well known.  Televisions, billboards, and radio, combined have numerous advertising campaigns dedicated to reminding people to use driver services like a taxi, Uber, Lyft, rideshare or designate a sober driver if consuming alcohol.  Because DWI’s and DUI’s are typically associated with alcohol, it is one of the main substances abused while driving.  Despite this fact, alcohol is not the only culprit. In 2017, the number of drugged driver fatalities surpassed drunk driver fatalities in the United States.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association’s 2015 statistics, 43% of deadly car accidents were caused by drugged driving while 37% of car accidents were caused by alcohol-related factors.   It is imperative to understand the risks of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.  Many individuals don’t think twice about driving under the influence of prescription drugs like codeine, despite the many warnings provided about the medication.  Just because you’ve been prescribed a drug doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe to drive while under the influence of it.   Mixing prescribed medication with other substances such as alcohol, illegal drugs or other mind-altering substances can be a recipe for disaster while behind the wheel.

The effects of prescription drugs can linger and cause you to be in a mind-altering state for hours which could prove problematic if you decide to drive.  Illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana should be avoided, but especially while driving. Driving while using these substances can put your life and the lives of others in great danger. In 2011, 12% of teens had admitted to driving under the influence of marijuana – and that number is only getting larger. It is important to discuss the dangers of drugged driving with your teen and stress the importance of staying away from the wheel of a car while under the influence of any substance.

If you or someone you know may have been involved in an injury situation with a person who is likely under the influence of drugs, you should contact a skilled attorney in your area.  An attorney, like a personal injury lawyer Dekalb County GA trusts, will be able to analyze the facts and determine what path will be best for you.  Also an attorney would be the best person to aid assist with sorting things out.  Someone else’s carelessness should not be your burden to bear alone.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into drugged driving.