Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs

Understanding Drug-Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of prescription drugs is a rising concern that poses significant risks to both the driver and the general public. This behavior involves operating a vehicle while impaired by any type of prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Prevalence of Driving Under Drug Influence

A considerable number of individuals engage in driving while under the influence of prescription drugs. According to a study cited by PubMed, 28.0% of participants admitted to lifetime nonmedical use of prescription drugs, with 12.2% reporting having driven under the influence of such substances at some point. Furthermore, 7.9% of the respondents indicated engaging in this behavior within the past three months.

In 2021, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 13.5 million people aged 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol, and 11.7 million drove under the influence of selected illicit drugs, including marijuana. Marijuana is the drug most often found in the blood of drivers involved in crashes after alcohol, and in 2016, 19.7 percent of drivers who drove while under the influence tested positive for some type of opioid.

Risk Factors and Behaviors

Certain factors and behaviors increase the risk of driving under the influence of prescription drugs. Those who reported engaging in this behavior were significantly more likely to report the use of other substances, including alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, GHB, rohypnol, and mephedrone. They also exhibited higher levels of hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation-seeking compared to non-users.

Interestingly, individuals who were involved in driving under the influence of prescription drugs had lower perceptions of the risks associated with this behavior. They also believed that nonmedical use of prescription drugs is more common among young adults.

Understanding these risk factors and behaviors can be crucial in developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. It can also help in promoting awareness about the dangers associated with driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

Impacts of Drug-Impaired Driving

The consequences of driving under the influence of prescription drugs are wide-ranging and impactful, affecting individual lives and public health at large.

Risks and Consequences

A significant percentage of individuals report nonmedical use of prescription drugs, and a notable portion of these individuals admit to driving under the influence of these drugs. According to a study cited by PubMed, 28.0% of participants reported lifetime nonmedical use of prescription drugs, with 12.2% admitting to driving under the influence of prescription drugs at least once, and 7.9% engaging in this behavior in the past three months.

Individuals who reported driving under the influence of such drugs were more likely to use other substances like alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, GHB, rohypnol, and mephedrone. They also showed higher levels of hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation seeking compared to non-users. Furthermore, these individuals had lower perceptions of the risks associated with their behavior and believed that nonmedical use of prescription drugs is more common among young adults.

In addition, certain demographics show higher incidences of drug-impaired driving. For instance, teen and older adult drivers are most often affected, with car crashes being the leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 19 years. Similarly, a study revealed that 1 in 6 college students had driven under the influence of a drug other than alcohol at least once in the past year, with marijuana being the most commonly used drug, followed by cocaine and prescription pain relievers.

Public Health Interventions

Given the prevalence and consequences of driving under the influence of prescription drugs, there's a pressing need for public health interventions that increase driving safety, especially among college students and young adults. These interventions should focus on raising awareness about the risks and consequences of drug-impaired driving, dispelling misconceptions about the prevalence and acceptability of nonmedical use of prescription drugs, and promoting safe and responsible behavior.

On a broader level, these interventions should also address the systemic issues that contribute to the misuse of prescription drugs and drug-impaired driving, such as the over-prescription of addictive medications, lack of access to mental health services, and societal pressures that encourage risky behavior. By addressing these root causes, it's possible to reduce the prevalence of drug-impaired driving and improve public health outcomes.

Read: How to Handle Holiday DUI Checkpoints in Wisconsin

Commonly Abused Substances

Substance abuse is a widespread issue that can have serious impacts on individuals' ability to safely operate vehicles. Both prescription and illicit drugs can impair drivers' abilities, leading to an increased risk of accidents and injury.

Prescription Drugs

Nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a common occurrence. According to a study cited by PubMed, 28.0% of participants reported lifetime NMUPD, with 12.2% admitting to ever driving under the influence of prescription drugs and 7.9% doing so within the last three months.

Those who reported driving under the influence of prescription drugs were significantly more likely to also report the use of alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, GHB, rohypnol, and mephedrone. These individuals also exhibited higher levels of hopelessness, impulsivity, and sensation seeking compared to non-users. Furthermore, they had lower perceptions of the risks associated with this behavior and believed that nonmedical use of prescription drugs is more common among young adults.

Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs are also commonly associated with impaired driving. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 1 in 6 college students had driven under the influence of a drug other than alcohol at least once in the past year. Marijuana was the most commonly used drug, followed by cocaine and prescription pain relievers.

In 2016, 19.7 percent of drivers who drove while under the influence tested positive for some type of opioid. This highlights the prevalence of drug-impaired driving and the potential dangers it poses to public safety.

Understanding the substances most commonly associated with drug-impaired driving can help in the development of prevention strategies and public health interventions. Both prescription and illicit drugs can impair driving abilities, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education and awareness efforts to combat this issue.

Effects of Prescription Drugs on Driving

The influence of prescription drugs on driving is a critical topic in public health and traffic safety. While these medications are legal and serve necessary medical purposes, they can have side effects that impair driving ability, posing a significant risk to both the driver and others on the road.

Side Effects and Impairments

Certain prescription and nonprescription medications can cause side effects that make it unsafe to drive or operate heavy machinery. These effects can last several hours and even into the next day. These effects can include drowsiness, slowed reaction time, difficulty focusing, and mild confusion. For instance, medicines containing antihistamines, commonly used to treat allergies, can interfere with driving by causing these effects, even if the individual doesn't feel drowsy [3].

Sleep medicines, often taken by individuals with insomnia, can impair daily activities, including driving, even the next morning. It's crucial to talk to a healthcare professional about taking the lowest effective dose and determining when it would be safe to drive again after taking the sleep medicine.

Over-the-counter medications, such as cold and allergy medicines or sleep aids, can cause side effects like drowsiness, nausea, and blurred vision, posing risks to everyone on the road [4].

Interactions and Dangers

Substances like cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD, can cause drowsiness and changes in alertness, making it dangerous to drive after taking products containing these substances [3].

Certain prescription drugs, such as antidepressants and opioids, can also cause impairment. If you are taking a prescription drug, or get a prescription for a new medicine or a higher dose of a current drug, do not drive until you know what effect it has on your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Some medications may not impair you on their own, but if taken with a second medication or with alcohol, they may cause impairment. Warnings against “operating heavy machinery” include driving a vehicle.

Prescription drugs, including opioid pain relievers and benzodiazepines, can impair driving ability and increase the risk of car accidents. It is crucial to always read and follow any instructions provided with medications.

In conclusion, driving under the influence of prescription drugs can lead to dangerous situations on the road. It's essential to be aware of the potential side effects of these medications and to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional. Always follow the prescribed dosage and timing, and avoid driving if you feel impaired or unsure of your ability to drive safely. If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of drugs, contact law enforcement to help keep our roads safe.

Legal Implications of Drug-Impaired Driving

The legal implications of driving under the influence of prescription drugs are severe and multifaceted. From testing and evidence collection to the enforcement of laws and penalties, the legal system approaches drug-impaired driving with the seriousness it deserves.

Testing and Evidence

When a traffic stop is conducted on suspicion of drug impairment while driving, the police may utilize urine and blood tests to ascertain the individual's chemical state. These tests can establish a more accurate picture of the individual's condition in instances involving drug use.

Evidence in cases of drugged driving offenses can include the mere presence of a substance in the individual's bloodstream, leading to charges without a specific per se limit as in alcohol-related cases. In these instances, having a substance in the bloodstream can be considered a violation warranting legal action.

Additional forms of evidence can include an admission of using illegal drugs or prescription medications before driving. This admission can serve as substantial evidence for the state to accuse someone of drug driving even without proving that the driving behavior was affected by the drugs or confirming the legality of the drug consumed [6].

Video footage from dashboard, body, or traffic cameras can also aid in proving drug impairment while driving. These recordings may demonstrate impaired motor function, compromised balance, or issues with speech, supporting the prosecutor's claim that the individual was under the influence of drugs [6].

Finally, the testimony of the officer who conducted the stop and interaction with individuals while in state custody can be critical evidence in cases of impaired driving.

Laws and Penalties

In legal terms, an individual could be arrested and convicted under the Criminal Code if their blood alcohol concentration is equal to or over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08), or if a police officer suspects that their ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medication, even if their blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit.

The prescribed blood drug concentrations for cannabis are set by federal regulation, and for all other federally controlled drugs, any detectable trace is enough to face charges.

Refusing to submit to the tests ordered by a police officer is a criminal offense that automatically results in the stiffest penalties.

Furthermore, the law prohibits not only impaired driving but also having the care or control of a vehicle while impaired. Situations like sleeping in a parked car could lead to potential legal consequences similar to those of impaired driving.

The legal consequences of driving under the influence of prescription drugs underscore the importance of being aware of the effects of these medications and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety on the road.

Preventing Drug-Impaired Driving

Preventing drug-impaired driving, particularly when it involves prescription medicines, requires a concerted effort from individuals, families, and communities. This prevention can be achieved through education and awareness, as well as practicing safe driving habits.

Education and Awareness

Education is a crucial element in the fight against driving under the influence of prescription drugs. It's important for everyone to understand the risks associated with this dangerous behavior, which can lead to serious accidents and put passengers, drivers, and pedestrians at risk.

Parents, in particular, play a crucial role in talking to their teenagers about driving responsibly. They should emphasize the importance of never getting into a car with someone who is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Raising awareness about the legal implications of drug-impaired driving is also essential. According to the SAAQ, driving while impaired by drugs or medication is severely punished under the Criminal Code and the Highway Safety Code.

Safe Driving Practices

In addition to education and awareness, practicing safe driving habits is an effective way of preventing drug-impaired driving. This includes:

• Always reading the information provided with prescription drugs to understand potential side effects, particularly those that could impair driving ability.
• Never driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or otherwise impaired after taking medication.
• Always arranging for alternative transportation (such as a designated driver, taxi, or public transportation) if you're under the influence of medication that can impair driving.
• Regularly reviewing your medications with your healthcare provider to understand how they might interact and affect your driving ability.

Adhering to these practices not only keeps you safe but also contributes to the overall safety of the road for everyone. It's important to remember that while prescription drugs are legal, driving under their influence if they impair your ability is not only dangerous but also illegal.

References

[1]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24965058/

‍[2]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving

‍[3]: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/some-medicines-and-driving-dont-mix

‍[4]: https://www.nhtsa.gov/drug-impaired-driving/dangers-driving-after-taking-prescription-drugs-or-over-counter-medicines

‍[5]: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/talking-about-drugs/driving-impaired-drug.html

‍[6]: https://www.travisnoble.com/blog/2022/12/how-do-police-prove-that-drugs-impaired-your-driving/

‍[7]: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/behaviours/drugs-medication/what-law-says