Drunk Driving Turning into Drugged Driving

Drunk Driving Turning into Drugged Driving

Driving under the influence has always been a major cause of motor vehicle accidents. In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. However, people are becoming more and more aware of the dangers of drunk driving and with the arrival of personal transport apps like Uber, many people refrain from driving under the influence.

Yet, the latest in driving under the influence is not related to alcohol, but to prescription drugs. Public Health Reports have found that prescription drugs, marijuana, and combinations of drugs have been found in the blood of drivers involved in fatal car accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly a third of all fatal accidents involve a drowsy driver; drugs such as antidepressants and sleeping aids and many other prescription drugs can cause drowsiness. Even over the counter cold medication can be a risk to drivers. Besides drowsiness, medication can impair drivers’ motor skills or depth perception and reaction time, all of which are critical skills needed for safe driving.

If you are involved in a car accident where the driver seems to be cognitively impaired and the blood-alcohol content of the driver is within legal limits, insist on finding out whether the driver may have been under the influence of medication that can cause drowsiness or otherwise impair his or her driving skills.

Make sure that you never get behind the wheel while under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medication that may cause drowsiness. If at any point you feel that you are unable to drive – don’t. Grab a cab or an Uber and arrive at your destination safely.

If you or your loved one have been the victim of a car accident involving a drunk driver, call the New York City Car Accident Lawyers at Linden Law at (212) 804-8440 for a free confidential consultation.