Drugged vs. Drunk Driving: Which Is Worse?

While data shows more fatal accidents caused by drunk driving, that doesn’t mean drugged driving is not a serious concern for road safety. With the legalization of marijuana in California and many other states, there is an increasing number of traffic accidents.

If you were hit by a drug-impaired driver, contact the Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at DK Law. We can help you recover financial compensation from the at-fault party. 

Why Is Drugged Driving So Dangerous? 

All medications and drugs come with side effects. They can affect the brain and alter cognitive functions, mood, balance, reaction time, and perception. Even small amounts of certain drugs can impair a person’s ability to drive safely. 

In California, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal. This means a driver pulled over for dangerous driving who tests positive for one or more drugs can receive a DUI. Drug-impaired drivers suspected of drugged driving will be required to submit to a blood test by law enforcement officers. Drivers testing positive for one or more drugs will be charged with a DUI offense. 

Many substances can impair driving, including: 

Prescription Drugs

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain prescription drugs, including sedatives, opioids, muscle relaxants, and some antidepressants, are associated with an increased risk of a motor vehicle crash. They can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea, which puts all road users in danger. It is always important to read all warning labels and avoid driving if the drug advises against “operating heavy machinery.” 

Over-the-Counter Medication

Similar to some prescription drugs, certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as cold and allergy medicines and sleep aids, can cause drowsiness, difficulty focusing, blurred vision, and dizziness. Some side effects last for a few hours, while others last for more than a day. If you plan on taking medicine for the first time, make sure you don’t need to drive. You can also talk to a health care professional about any potential side effects and whether it is safe to drive. 

Marijuana 

Marijuana ranks as the substance most frequently linked to impaired driving, following alcohol. While legal in California, marijuana-impaired driving is still illegal. Driving while high is very dangerous. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that marijuana usage may lead to changes in sensory perception and time awareness, slow reaction time, feelings of anxiety, and experiences of hallucinations. Mixing alcohol and marijuana can be a deadly cocktail, enhancing the effects of each. Examples include slowed reaction time, loss of coordination, and distorted perception. 

Illegal Drugs 

Unlike alcohol, which is a depressant, methamphetamine and cocaine work in opposite ways as stimulants. Instead of sleepiness, these illicit drugs can make drivers more aggressive and more prone to reckless behavior. Stimulants speed up the central nervous system and increase a person’s heart rate. Certain medications for ADHD also act as stimulants. 

Drug-Impaired Driving Accidents

The statistics surrounding fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers are well-known. Lesser known is the impact of drugs and certain medications. However, that is likely going to change. According to the NHTSA, 56% of drivers involved in serious and fatal car crashes tested positive for at least one drug. Studies from the Governors Highway Safety Association indicate a similar correlation between impaired driving accidents and drug use.

In a report released by the National Institutes of Health, the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana has been associated with a 6.5% increase in injury crash rates and a 2.3% increase in fatal crash rates. 

In California specifically, 751 fatalities related to drug-involved driving were reported in 2021. 

Consequences of a DUI

A DUI charge in California, whether it be from drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, carries serious consequences. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) estimates that the cost of a first-time DUI is $13,500, which includes car insurance rate hikes, legal fees, DUI classes, license restrictions, missed time from work, and more. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) free helpline, talk to a friend or a family member, or seek professional medical help.

Were You In an Impaired Driving Accident? 

If you suffered injuries because of an alcohol or drug-impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. DK Law is one of L.A.’s top personal injury law firms, serving clients injured in motor vehicle accidents. We will handle all communications with the impaired driver and their insurance company.

If the driver did not have insurance or fled the scene, we can look into options for recovering compensation from your own insurance company. We will also litigate your case in court if necessary.

To request a free consultation, contact our legal team 24/7 by calling (833) 515-3119 or sending us a message online.