Drugged driving has become a growing concern on roads across the country. It refers to the act of driving under the influence of drugs, whether they are illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter medications. Unlike alcohol, which has a more established connection to impaired driving, drugs can affect the body in various unpredictable ways, making it even more dangerous. Unfortunately, drug-impaired drivers often fail to realize how their ability to operate a vehicle is diminished, putting themselves and others at risk. Understanding the most commonly abused drugs in drugged driving cases is essential to identifying the dangers these substances present when mixed with driving. At, Best & Brock, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Marijuana
One of the most frequently encountered drugs in drugged driving cases is marijuana. As more states have legalized marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes, its use has increased, which in turn has led to more drivers operating vehicles while under its influence. Marijuana can impair a person’s reaction time, coordination, and ability to make decisions. Drivers under the influence of marijuana may struggle to stay in their lane, react to sudden changes in traffic, or accurately gauge distances. These effects can make driving highly dangerous, not only for the driver but also for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.
Many people mistakenly believe that marijuana is harmless when it comes to driving. However, research has shown that it can significantly impair a driver’s ability to perform even basic tasks behind the wheel. This is especially concerning because people who regularly use marijuana may not realize how much their driving is affected, thinking they are more capable than they actually are.
Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs are another common contributor to drugged driving cases. Many medications prescribed for pain relief, anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders come with warnings not to operate heavy machinery, which includes driving a vehicle. Drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants can slow a person’s reaction time, impair judgment, and cause drowsiness. Despite the warnings, some drivers either ignore them or are unaware of the potential risks associated with driving while taking these medications.
One of the challenges with prescription medications is that individuals may believe they are safe to drive because the drugs were legally prescribed by a doctor. This sense of security can lead to dangerous driving situations. Even when taken as directed, prescription medications can still impair driving abilities. In drugged driving cases involving prescription drugs, it is often difficult to determine whether the person took the medication correctly or was misusing it, but the effects on driving can be harmful in either scenario.
Opioids
Opioids, in particular, have gained national attention due to the ongoing opioid crisis. These drugs, which include both prescription painkillers and illegal drugs like heroin, can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. In some cases, they can even cause the driver to lose consciousness. When someone is driving under the influence of opioids, they may not be fully aware of their surroundings, may have trouble focusing on the road, or may not react to hazards quickly enough.
The opioid epidemic has not only impacted people’s health but has also created a new set of dangers on the roadways. Drivers who are impaired by opioids pose a serious risk to others, as the drugs can cause extreme sedation and impair cognitive functioning. The problem is worsened when individuals combine opioids with other substances, such as alcohol or other medications, which can amplify the effects and make driving even more dangerous.
Cocaine and Other Stimulants
Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, are also commonly found in drugged driving cases. These drugs have the opposite effect of depressants like opioids; they can cause people to feel overly alert, confident, and even reckless. A driver under the influence of stimulants may drive at dangerously high speeds, take unnecessary risks, or fail to recognize their own limitations.
While stimulants can make a driver feel more awake, they also impair judgment and increase aggression, which can lead to dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. Additionally, the effects of stimulants can wear off suddenly, leading to extreme fatigue or a crash in energy levels. This sudden change can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle or fall asleep at the wheel.
Cocaine and methamphetamine are not only illegal but highly addictive, which often leads to repeated use. Drivers who are addicted to these substances may not only be impaired when they get behind the wheel but also distracted by their need to obtain and use more of the drug.
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- Chris Griffin
Over-the-Counter Medications
While it may come as a surprise to many, even over-the-counter medications can lead to impaired driving. Some common cold medicines, allergy treatments, and sleep aids contain ingredients that cause drowsiness or affect concentration. For example, antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat allergies, can make a person feel extremely sleepy or sluggish, reducing their ability to focus on the road.
The problem with over-the-counter medications is that people often don’t take the potential side effects seriously. Since these drugs are easily accessible and don’t require a prescription, individuals may assume they are safe to use under any circumstances, including while driving. However, the effects of over-the-counter drugs can be just as dangerous as those of illegal or prescription drugs when it comes to operating a vehicle.
Alcohol and Drug Combinations
One of the most dangerous combinations seen in drugged driving cases is the use of both drugs and alcohol. Even in small amounts, alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making, and coordination. When combined with drugs, these effects are often intensified, leading to a significantly higher risk of accidents. For instance, mixing alcohol with prescription medications, marijuana, or opioids can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor skills.
Many drivers do not realize how dangerous it is to mix substances, thinking that they can handle a small amount of alcohol or a mild dose of drugs. However, the body processes these substances differently, and their combined effects can be unpredictable and much stronger than anticipated. This can lead to a higher likelihood of making poor driving decisions or failing to react appropriately to road conditions.
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Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids (often referred to as “Spice” or “K2”) and synthetic stimulants (sometimes called “bath salts”), have also been linked to drugged driving cases. These drugs are often designed to mimic the effects of illegal substances but are manufactured using different chemical compounds. The problem with synthetic drugs is that their effects can be highly unpredictable. Drivers under the influence of these substances may experience hallucinations, paranoia, and extreme agitation, all of which can make driving incredibly dangerous.
Because synthetic drugs are often sold legally in some areas or can be purchased online, many people assume they are safer than illegal drugs. However, the unpredictable nature of these substances makes them particularly hazardous when combined with driving.
Drugged driving is a serious issue that endangers everyone on the road. From marijuana to prescription medications and synthetic drugs, the substances most commonly found in drugged driving cases affect people in various ways, but they all impair a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. It is important for drivers to understand the risks of driving while under the influence of any drug and to make responsible choices when it comes to getting behind the wheel. Recognizing how different drugs affect driving abilities can help prevent accidents and save lives.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving drugged driving, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Drugged driving cases can be complex, requiring knowledge of both criminal and personal injury laws. The legal team at Best & Brock is experienced in handling these types of cases and can provide the representation you need. Contact Best & Brock today to discuss your case and protect your rights.