Car accidents happen all the time in Washington. While there are many different reasons for car accidents, one of the most dangerous things a driver can do is get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is very risky and increases the risk of getting into a car accident. Unfortunately, a new study claims that more Americans are driving under the influence of marijuana and painkillers.
Drugged driving is very dangerous. The study found between 1999 and 2010, drug-related non-alcohol accidents increased to 28.3 percent. Car accidents caused by drivers with marijuana in their system increased from 4.2 percent to 12.2 percent. The researchers said that marijuana stays in a person’s system much longer than alcohol, and a driver can have a positive marijuana blood test up to a week after using the drug.
The increase in drivers using marijuana and other drugs is a disturbing finding. It is not surprising that more drivers have drugs in their system at the time of a car accident due to marijuana and pain killers being more available now compared to the past.
Driving under the influence of drugs is just as dangerous as drunk driving because it impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drugs can cause a driver to take risks, become distracted, and reduce visibility and motor skills that increase the chances of an accident.
Drugged driving is very hazardous and contributes to many car accidents in the country. Drivers should be aware of the dangers of drugged driving and make sure they don’t get behind the wheel after using illegal or prescription drugs because it can impair their ability to drive safely.
Source: Healthline, “Drugged Driving on the Rise in the U.S.,” Kristen Fischer, Feb. 4, 2014
