Drugged Driving Accidents

By | 
Jan 6, 2016 | 
Personal Injury
Drugged Driving Accidents

Drugged Driving Accidents

Personal Injury Attorneys | Just like driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of illegal drugs or certain prescription drugs can be dangerous and potentially result in criminal charges. Drugged driving involves any type of substance that may cause side effects that:

  • Impair depth perception
  • Delay reaction time
  • Affect a person’s physical and mental state

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2014, an average of 22 percent of drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs during both daytime and nighttime hours. Not only are drugged driving fatalities linked to reckless behavior in young adults, but they also occur with older drivers who abuse or misuse prescription medications.

Because of the ways that driving under the influence of controlled substances can affect a person and lead to drugged driving accidents that cause serious or fatal injuries.

Common Drugs Associated with Drugged Driving

Numerous types of medications or illicit drugs can impair someone’s ability to drive. However, some of the most common drugs involved in drugged driving accidents or arrests include:

  • Marijuana — Marijuana use results in the highest rate of drugged driving accidents in comparison to other illegal recreational drugs. Impairing side effects associated with smoking marijuana include distortion of time and distance, drowsiness, paranoia, and inability to focus. Even though Illinois now permits the use of medical marijuana, authorized users are not allowed to drive under the influence of marijuana.
  • Cocaine — Cocaine use can cause euphoria, dizziness, irritability, aggression, confusion and disorientation.
  • LSD — Driving under the influence of LSD can be extremely dangerous since the drug can cause hallucinations and alter one’s mental state.
  • Morphine & Heroin — These two types of illicit drugs can leave drivers feeling sedated, drowsy, disconnected, dizzy, and nauseous.
  • Prescription drugs such as Xanax, Vicodin, OxyContin, or Valium — In 2010, almost half of drivers that tested positive for drug use after a crash had used a prescription drug. When taken with an improper dosage or other substances, prescription drugs can hinder someone’s ability behind the wheel.
  • Over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants or sleeping pills — When taken incorrectly, they can cause dizziness, impaired coordination, sleepiness, and other unsafe side effects.

Drugged driving accidents involving serious injuries or deaths can result in serious felony charges — with correspondingly harsh penalties.

Unfortunately, drugged driving accidents caused by another driver’s negligence can be difficult to avoid for even the best defensive driver. If you or your loved one suffered a car accident injury due to a driver being under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medication, you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer for help. – Chicago Lawyer

The employment discrimination lawyers at Printy Law Firm can inform you of legal options you may not know you have. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury or wrongful death due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Personal Injury Department at Printy Law Firm.

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