Is Drugged Driving Now a Major Problem on American Roads?

Thanks to organizations like MADD, and the stricter enforcement of drunk-driving laws, alcohol-related traffic deaths in the U.S. have steadily declined since the 1980s. Based on statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (1), drunk driving deaths have fallen by one-third within the past 30 years; most notably for drivers under the age of 21. Unfortunately, widespread marijuana legalization and the growing opioid crisis have helped create a new problem on American roads; one that’s quickly spiraling out of control.  

How Common is Drugged Driving?

Drugged, or “drug-impaired”, driving refers to the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of any type of drug, legal or illegal (illicit), and every state has laws against doing so. But even with those laws in place, how common is driving while under the influence of drugs (DUID)? That answer can be found in some troubling data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (2) that were based solely on studies focused on illicit substance use by drivers:

• In 2017, 12.8 million people aged 16-and-older admitted to driving after using illicit drugs.
• In 2016, among all drivers killed in traffic accidents, 43.6% of those whose blood was drug tested for illicit substances had positive results.
• Of those fatalities, over half tested positive for two or more illicit drugs in their system.
• 20% of all nighttime weekend drivers tested positive for illicit drugs in the 2013-14 National Roadside Survey.

When it comes to DUID law enforcement, here are some of the challenges that police officers face:

• Overall, it’s much harder to determine when a driver is drug impaired compared to one who’s under the influence of alcohol.
• Drivers can be field tested for alcohol impairment using a breathalyzer. No such roadside testing method is available to officers when they suspect a pulled-over driver has been using drugs.
• A growing number of drivers today are operating a vehicle while under the influence of two or more drugs that affect them in different ways, including prescription and OTC products.

And, if these problems weren’t enough, an increasingly greater number of drivers are now combining alcohol with one or more legal or illegal drugs before climbing behind the wheel.

How These Popular Drugs Impair Drivers  

Here are the various ways that many popular legal or illegal drugs can interfere with a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle:

• Marijuana. The THC found in marijuana slows down reaction times and impairs the judgement of distance. Marijuana is also the most common drug that’s used in combination with alcohol by drivers who get charged with DUID offenses.
• Methamphetamine or cocaine. Can cause drivers to engage in aggressive and reckless behaviors.
• Opioids and opiates. Prescription and illegally obtained opioids and opiates can cause drowsiness, and impair a driver’s memory and cognitive skills.   
• Sedatives like benzodiazepine or barbiturates.  Oftentimes prescribed by doctors for depression or as a sleep aid, these drugs cause drowsiness and dizziness.  
• OTC medications. Many drivers take over-the-counter remedies for colds or allergies without considering that they can interfere with driving. Diet pills and other “stay awake” products contain stimulants that may induce excitability or drowsiness.

How Can I Help Prevent Drug-Related Accidents?    

Fortunately, there are several positive strategies you can take to help avoid becoming another DUID statistic. 

• Offer to be a designated driver, or have a designated driver collect all the keys.
• Get a ride to and from parties where there are drugs and alcohol present.
• Speak with your friends about the risks of drugged driving.
• Avoid parties altogether where alcohol and drugs will be available.

Regarding OTC and prescription medications, carefully read the label warnings first before taking the product and then driving a car. If there’s any chance it could impair your ability to operate a vehicle, don’t drive. If you have questions, consult a pharmacist.

Where Should I Take My Car for Collision Repairs?

No matter how careful you are as a driver, accidents happen. When your vehicle is involved in one, take it to a body shop featured in the nationwide Carwise referral network. ICAR and ASE-certified technicians there will have the equipment, training and experience to restore your ride like new again promptly and reliably. Most work directly with insurance companies, so you don’t have to, and warranty their outcomes to put your mind at ease.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.