Drugged Driving Accidents

Drivers can use a number of different substances, whether legal or illegal, that can impair their ability to drive. Driving under the influence doesn’t just refer to alcohol. Drivers can also be impaired by illegal, prescription, or over the counter drugs or medication. If these drugs affect a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, then they can result in serious accidents on the road.

Types of Drugs that Can Impair Driving

Before a driver operates a vehicle after taking any substance, they should be sure to read the warning label and make sure they know how a substance affects them before getting behind the wheel. The effects of specific drugs differ on how they affect the brain. Some drugs that can impair driving include:

• Illegal Drugs—drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine can all have a marked effect on one’s mental state. An individual under the influence of an illegal drug should not be operating a motor vehicle.
• Prescription Drugs—prescription pain relievers, sleep aids, and anti-anxiety medications are the usual culprits when it comes to impaired driving. Drugs like Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, Ambien, and Oxycontin can alter a driver’s mental state and make them unable to drive safely. 
• Over the Counter Medications—people are sometimes surprised to learn that some over the counter cold and allergy medications can seriously impair a person’s ability to drive. Medications such as NyQuil and Benadryl should never be taken before driving, especially in high doses. 

Effects of Drugs on Driving Ability

Drivers who use drugs that affect their mental state show many of the same scary driving habits that drunk drivers demonstrate. This includes:

• Weaving around the road
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Stopping suddenly
• Poor reaction time
• Not paying attention to the road

Even a small dosage of a drug can have a serious effect on a person’s ability to safely drive.  This can result in serious accidents and serious injuries for other motorists.

Contact a Tampa Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drugged driver, an experienced car accident attorney may be able to help you with your case. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have over 30 years of experience helping people injured in car accidents. Contact us onlineor call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.