Every day, many automobile accidents caused by driving errors occur on American roads. Alcohol is usually the source of injury for these drivers. But many accidents are caused by drug abuse.
Drunk driving regulations—
State and federal laws provide for ways in which drug drivers can be punished for their actions, as well as ways in which claims can be made against such drivers. Each state has a different stance on drug driving. Some states are totally intolerant, while others offer some leeway. About one third of the country’s stocks have taken an intolerant stance. Differences between states have led to confusion among many people. There are great differences between drug driving incidents and the methods of tracking down the results of victims.
In some states today, some drugs once considered very dangerous are legally used for medical or recreational purposes. This makes the problem of drug driving responsibility more confused. Each person’s body has a unique response to drugs according to chemical composition, use history, drug type, amount of use, body shape and other factors. States are trying to find ways to adjust legal restrictions based on changing laws that restrict the use of these drugs. In general, the goal is to protect the citizens on the road. This is because the legal drug use changes very quickly, so it is easier said than done.
Legalization of drunk driving—
According to the Journal of Mechanics, with the passing of some drug legalization laws, fatal accidents caused by drug driving are also increasing. The study included the results of 23500 drivers. From 1999 to 2010, drivers received toxicity tests no more than one hour after the accident. Research shows that 12% of these accidents are related to driving obstacles in 1999.
As of 2010, 28% of deaths were caused by driving disorders. Cannabis was the cause of injury in 4 per cent of these accidents in 1999 and increased to 12 per cent in 2012. According to the study, one driver in every nine fatalities was judged marijuana positive. In the 11 year study, the rate of alcohol damage was consistent and did not show such a significant increase.
Studies by other organizations reflect the same results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 22% of drivers have taken illegal drugs, prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs. This result has no change in driving from day to night. The most positive change in driver behavior was related to the age group of 50~59, which increased from 3.4% in 2002 to 7.2% in 2010. About a quarter of drug driving deaths are caused by drivers of that age group.
A survey shows that one in six college students drives because of the influence of drugs(except alcohol) every year. The study was conducted in 2011.
Drug statistics—
According to the 2010 national study on fatal traffic accidents, 46.5% of drug drivers have used prescription drugs. Nearly 37 per cent of these drug drivers use cannabis and nearly 10 per cent use cocaine. Oxanone, hydrone, alprazolam and diazepam are the most commonly used prescription drugs for drivers. Not all of these prescription drugs are legal.
The danger of drunk driving—
Drunken drivers are 13 times more likely to die from traffic accidents than others. The combination of alcohol and cannabis has increased the probability of fatal traffic accidents by 24 times. Civil litigation is usually the loss of life, serious injury and the overall impact on the family caused by such accidents.
Drunk driving may lead to criminal charges against the driver. Disabled drivers can be fined, arrested, asked for community service, or even jailed.
Prevent drunk driving—
The prevention of drug driving starts from not driving when taking drugs or illegal drugs. Designating drivers is the simplest way to prevent such a terrible accident. When smoking marijuana, passengers should be careful of the driver’s exposure to second-hand smoke. The person taking prescription drugs should discuss with the doctor whether it is safe to drive when using drugs. Prescription drugs are not prescribed by anyone. Alcohol cannot be mixed with drugs or drunk at the same time.
—Request help when injured—
In the event of a drug poisoning driving car accident, consulting a personal injury lawyer can help provide guidance for filing a legal claim for compensation. Accidents caused by damage are also a possible criminal act. Anyone who believes that his damage may lead to a traffic accident should immediately contact a criminal lawyer.
