When people hear about impaired driving, they usually think about alcohol as the impairing factor. That’s correct in many cases, but it’s also possible that other substances are causing the problem. Drugged driving is a huge problem because of the challenges in determining what’s going on with a driver.
A person who’s stopped for the suspicion of drunk driving will likely have a chemical test to determine their blood alcohol concentration. Because of the way the body metabolizes alcohol, these tests are reasonably accurate. In the case of drugged driving, there isn’t a chemical test that can accurately relay how impaired a person is by a specific substance because many drugs remain detectible in the system long after the effect of the drug wears off.
What types of drugs can cause impairment in drivers?
There are many drugs that can cause impairment. These include illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs. Even if you have a prescription or a doctor told you to take a specific medication, you can’t legally drive after taking it if it causes impairment.
Commonly used medications, such as diphenhydramine, which is sold under the brand name Benadryl, can lead to impaired driving. Narcotic medications can also do this. Illegal substances, including marijuana, can also lead to slowed reaction time and other impairing effects. Because of this, you should avoid driving after you use the drugs.
Anyone who’s facing drugged driving charges should ensure they learn about their options for addressing the charges. There are sometimes options that have time limits, so discussing the possibilities early in the case is important. Ultimately, you need to find the defense option most suitable for your situation.