By: In California, the abuse of prescription drugs is more prevalent than ever. These medications are commonly prescribed for minor and major mental disorders including: Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and Pain Management among others. Substance abuse significantly impacts driving performance, leading to dangerous situations on the road. The impairing effects of these drugs can last for several hours, reducing alertness and increasing the risk of crashes for both drivers and passengers. Research shows that drug use, including both prescription and illicit drugs, is a major factor in impaired driving incidents, and the relationship between drug use and increased crash risk is well documented. The presence of drugs in fatally injured drivers has been highlighted in findings from the Governors Highway Safety Association, which also notes that women and younger age groups are particularly at risk. Access to both vehicles and drugs increases the likelihood that individuals will have driven under the influence, putting themselves and others at risk at the wheel.
Studies have found a significant increase in crash risk associated with these substances. Findings from ongoing research indicate that benzodiazepines, opioids, and other medications with long half-lives can double the risk of accidents by impairing cognitive functions, coordination, lane tracking, and judgment. The documented effects of these drugs include slow reaction time, impaired thinking, and aggressive driving behaviors. Research also shows that the impact of drugged driving varies by age, with younger drivers experiencing greater impairment, and that the prevalence of drugged driving has increased in the past year. Authorities and clinicians must respond to these trends by being aware of the risks and educating patients about the dangers of taking drugs and then driving.
More and more, we are seeing teens and adolescents obtaining prescription meds from their parents’ and friends’ medicine cabinets and using them to get high or achieve a euphoric state of mind. With the astronomical rise in the amount of prescription drugs being prescribed in California, there is a corresponding rise in the amount of drugged driving accidents caused by the misuse of these drugs. Determining how specific drugs affect driving is challenging due to the complexities of substance interaction, and it is often difficult to determine the extent to which a particular drug will impair driving performance. The increased risk of crashes is especially high when individuals have access to both drugs and vehicles, and many have driven after taking drugs, further endangering themselves and others.
These are accidents involving recreational drugs or prescription narcotics instead of alcohol. Despite the fact that these prescriptions explicitly say not to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking medication, people do not adhere to these warnings. Various substances can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, and impair driving performance by affecting alertness, coordination, and cognitive functions. In addition, the use of recreational drugs and operating a motor vehicle while on them is ever increasing, resulting in more injuries and deaths by persons intoxicated by prescription medications. Drugged driving poses significant dangers and a higher risk of accidents, with illegal drugs and illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin contributing to aggressive driving and increased crash risk. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of fatally injured drivers test positive for drugs, highlighting the severe consequences of impaired driving behavior.
A person driving a vehicle while using prescription drugs can be arrested for driving under the influence pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21352 (a). These persons are also liable for any personal injury they cause while driving intoxicated. The prevalence of drivers who test positive for two or more drugs highlights the compounded impairment caused by polydrug use, and the presence of drugs in crash statistics underscores the need for ongoing research and public health interventions.
If you have been injured in any type of auto accident, please contact the Roberts Law Firm in Newport Beach, CA. Attorney Jeff Roberts and his staff provide free consultations and charge no fee unless they recover compensation for your injuries. The dangerous consequences of drugged driving are particularly severe for certain populations, such as teens and older adults, and women are especially vulnerable to injury and hospitalization from crashes linked to substance use.
Common Prescription Drugs Associated With Drugged Driving Accidents
Prescription drugs that are commonly associated with automobile accidents can be painkillers, hypnotic, sleeping medications, ADD/ADHD medications, anti-anxiety medications, and muscle relaxers such as:
- Percocet
- Ambien
- Vicodin
- Aderal
- Xanax
- Phenergan
- Valium
- Flexeril
Benzodiazepines and opioid medications are particularly known for their impairing effects on cognitive functions, alertness, and coordination, leading to increased risk of crashes. The half-life of these medications can determine how long impairment lasts, and clinicians must be aware of these factors when prescribing. Symptoms linked to different drug classes, such as dizziness and sedation, can significantly impact driving performance and impair thinking, judgment, and lane tracking.
Common Recreational Drugs Associated With Drugged Driving Accidents
Recreational, also referred to as street drugs, that are commonly involved with a drugged driving accident can exert several effects on mood or personality such as: excitement, hallucinations, extreme relaxation, and drowsiness. They can be:
- Cocaine/Crack Cocaine
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamines
The prevalence and dangers of drugged driving are particularly concerning, as certain substances impair cognitive and motor functions essential for safe driving. Illegal drugs and illicit drugs are frequently detected in drivers involved in crashes, and methamphetamine use is associated with aggressive and reckless behavior behind the wheel. The impairing effects of these substances can include slow reaction time, impaired lane tracking, and reduced alertness, all of which contribute to increased crash risk.
Drugged Driving Car Accident Attorney and the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process
Being injured in a drugged driving accident can be an incredibly stressful and difficult legal battle. Newport Beach Injury Attorney Jeff Roberts and his staff are well equipped to handle your car accident claim. A thorough and persistent personal injury lawyer, Jeff Roberts examines evidence, accident scene, and medical history, and determines if the medications are legally prescribed. The impact of opioids on cognitive function and driving abilities is particularly concerning, as research shows these drugs can double the risk of accidents and impair thinking, judgment, and coordination. Not having a prescription for the drugs increases the likelihood that punitive damages can be recovered against the driver who causes personal injury while driving. Even taking the drugs in excess of the amount prescribed can result in an award of punitive damages above and beyond compensation for personal injury medical bills and lost income. Certain drugs can lead to reckless driving behavior, further increasing the risk of accidents and endangering passengers.
Fortunately, despite the dangers of drugged driving, there are avenues for seeking compensation and strategies for mitigating the risks associated with medications that might impair driving. Ongoing research and documented findings continue to inform best practices for clinicians and legal professionals as they respond to the challenges of drug-impaired driving.
Contact An Accident Lawyer Serving Orange And Riverside Counties
To discuss your case and learn what benefits and forms of financial compensation you may be entitled to, contact The Roberts Law Firm. Mr. Roberts proudly serves clients injured in accidents throughout Southern California. Public health initiatives aimed at combating drug-impaired driving are crucial for safeguarding road safety and reducing the number of crashes caused by drug use.