Thanks in large part to anti-drunk driving campaigns and the efforts of law enforcement officials, the number of drivers with alcohol in their system has declined drastically—by three-quarters–since the first Roadside Survey in 1973. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s latest survey showed the encouraging statistics; the number of drivers impaired by alcohol has decreased by approximately one-third since 2007.
The Roadside Survey is an anonymous survey completed voluntarily. It gathers information from drivers in a number of areas throughout the United States.
While the 2014 survey showed that the number of drivers who had recently used alcohol continues to decline, it also highlighted some alarming news about driving and drug use. Nearly one quarter of the drivers in the voluntary survey tested positive for at least one drug that could ultimately impact the safety of everyone on the road. The number of drivers with marijuana in their system increased by almost 50 percent.
As marijuana has recently been legalized in some states, the legislation around drug use and driving, as well as methods for testing drivers for impairment will become even more important in order to establish clear guidelines.
Illegal drugs aren’t the only ones impacting our highways. Prescription drugs, even when administered under the care of a physician, can also impair drivers by hindering reaction time, judgment, and general awareness. If you take prescription drugs, be sure to read all labels and have a clear understanding of whether or not the medication will affect your driving abilities. Follow instructions as indicated by your doctor and pharmacist and don’t get on the road if you feel that your driving abilities are impaired by the medication.
If you feel that you or a loved one has been impaired by alcohol or drug use, don’t get behind the wheel. It’s just not worth gambling with your life.
Have you or someone you love been the victim of an auto accident caused by an impaired driver? Attorney John Schuerman has over forty years of experience with auto accident injury claims and will fight aggressively for full compensation for you and your family. To accommodate your needs and schedule, home and hospital visit are available in addition to evening and weekend appointments. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
