Per a 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 10.5 million people in the 12 and over age group admitted to driving under the influence of illegal drugs in the year before they were surveyed. The age group that had the highest percentage of drivers that drove while on drugs was the 21 to 25 young adult demographic.
At Altman & Altman, LLP, our Boston car accident lawyers represent victims that have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones in Massachusetts drugged driving accidents. Contact us today.
A drug doesn’t have to be illegal for it to impair one’s driving abilities, potentially causing a serious traffic crash. Even some over-the-counter medications may impair one’s vision, hearing, judgment, and abilities to react, act, respond, and process. Mix drugs with alcohol and the combination can be lethal for everyone involved.
Depending on the drug, other possible side effects may include:
• Drowsiness • Inability to pay attention • Hallucinations • Impulsive behavior increase • Heart attack or stroke • Death • Coordination problems • Problems driving in a straight line • Overdose • Up risk taking proclivities
Even if a drug has been prescribed to the driver, he/she is still responsible for finding out whether the medication can impair his/her driving ability, and if so, then the motorist should stay off the road.
People can sued for causing a traffic injury crash while under the influence of medication. If the pharmacist or drug manufacturer failed to warn that driver impairment might be a possible side effect, these parties could also be held liable for Boston personal injury or wrongful death.
Also, not only is it against the law to take illicit drugs, but it is a crime to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A negligent motorist could end up dealing not just with a civil case but also with criminal charges.
What Is Drugged Driving?, National Institute on Drug Abuse
How do Drugs Affect Driving?, EMSA
More Blog Posts:
Fatigued Driving in Massachusetts: As Dangerous as Driving Drunk, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, April 25, 2013
Not All Boston Child Injuries in Cars Involve Actual Massachusetts Traffic Crashes, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, March 20, 2013