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Survey Finds Drugged Driving Doubles the Risk of Drunk Driving

California Highway Patrol officers are worried.  A recent voluntary survey concluded that 1 in 7 drivers tested positive for drugs, including marijuana, in their system.  In comparison, only 7.3% of drivers had any measurable amount of alcohol in their system.  This voluntary test offered drivers $20 to blow into a breathalyzer and give a saliva sample to police offers.  Over 1300 people were voluntarily pulled over during the course of 2 weekends this summer during the late night hours. 

In the wee hours of the morning after the bars close and before motorists get home, it's no surprise that officers caught more than they hoped for.  But it is surprising that 14% of motorists were on at least one drug, with many having 2 or more in their system while they were on the road.

The director of the Office of Traffic Safety, Chris Murphy, concluded "These results reinforce our belief that driving after consuming potentially impairing drugs is a serious and growing problem."

How Dangerous Is Driving on Drugs?

Many activist groups in favor of legalization for drugs such as marijuana argue that their substance of choice is not harmful to others, or that it is somehow less harmful than alcohol. But if this many motorists are driving around late at night with toxic chemicals in their system, their driving is impaired enough that they could potentially kill someone.

Drivers with drugs in their system are driving impaired.  Whether this drug is a narcotic or a prescription drug, drivers can experience slowed reactions or fall asleep at the wheel.  These drivers can cause serious and life threatening accidents for not only themselves and their passengers, but to other motorists as well.

If You've Been Injured in an Impaired Driving Accident

If you've been injured in an accident where the other driver was impaired, your entire life could have changed.  Not only could you be in pain, but your financial health could be suffering as well.  Driving while impaired is illegal and you could be entitled to equitable relief.  You should call a skilled personal injury attorney today to discuss how you can obtain relief.