Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a major threat to both the driver and everyone on the road. While alcohol is the substance most people associate with DUIs, any San Diego personal injury lawyer is quick to point out that there are also several other substances that can lead to a DUI or DWI charge. In fact, in 2017, the number of fatalities caused by a drugged driver outnumbered those by a drunk driver in the U.S. Driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance is dangerous, and drugged driving can be even more dangerous because the driver can be unaware of their inebriation.
Even drugs that have been prescribed by a doctor can inhibit one’s ability to drive and lead to a DUI. Understanding the risks of driving under the influence of prescription drugs is vital according to a personal injury attorney in La Mesa. Many people don’t think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence of prescription drugs like OxyCotin, codeine, Ambien, Xanax, Vicodin, and more.People who have been prescribed any drug should consult their doctor before driving and learn about the ways in which the medicine could affect their driving ability.
Just because you’ve been prescribed a drug doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe to drive while under the influence of that drug. The directions and warnings on medication labels should be taken seriously, as well as physician instructions. And mixing prescribed medication with other substances such as alcohol, illegal drugs or other mind-altering substances can be a recipe for disaster while behind the wheel.
However, the problem is not just with prescription drugs, the number of accidents caused by drivers under the influence of illegal drugs is also rising. Even people who are not using illegal drugs inside your car or right before they get behind the wheel can still have their driving impaired by effects that last for hours after ingestion.
The advent of prescription marijuana and its acceptance for recreational purposes in California has made the prospect of people driving stoned even more of a concern. Although the drug is no longer criminalized, driving while under its influence is not. Many people feel that they are able to drive perfectly fine under the influence of marijuana, but it can have a negative effect and it is still against the law.
If you are involved in an accident, it is important to have a personal injury lawyer in San Marcos on your side. To find out more information about drugged driving, or to get answers to any other questions and set up a free consultation, call American Bar Association member Brett Geruntino, Esq. at Acclaim Law Group at (858)252-0781.
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