Drugged Driving

Drug-impaired driving is a problem on America’s highways. Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving - which means it is dangerous and illegal in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. whether the drug is legally prescribed or illegal, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other road users.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to spread the word about drug-impaired driving and to remind all drivers: If you are impaired by drugs and thinking about driving, pass your keys on to a sober driver.

Public Service Announcement (PSA) About Impaired Driving

Drivers

Drivers must never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only means refraining from drunk driving, but also from drug-impaired driving. NHTSA’s 2013 to 2014 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers (PDF) found that nearly one in four weekend drivers tested positive for at least one drug that could impair their ability to drive safely.

It doesn’t matter what term is used, if a person is high, stoned, wasted, or drunk, he or she is impaired. Driving while impaired by any substance is illegal and can be deadly to the driver and other road users. It’s that simple.  

Effects of Driving Under the Influence

If you think driving while high won’t affect you, you are wrong. It has been proven that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects—slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. This is a deadly combination.

Something as simple as cold medication or an over-the-counter sleep aid could impair your driving. If it does, you will be arrested for a DUI.

Prescriptions

If your doctor writes you a new prescription or increases a current dosage, be sure to discuss with the doctor whether you should drive while taking the medication, or be sure to ask the pharmacist when you pick up the prescription. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different. Give your keys to a sober friend.

Always tell your doctor of any drugs you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal) so they may accurately counsel you on whether it is safe to drive while taking them.

Combining Medications

If you are taking a new prescription drug or a higher dose of a current prescription drug, do not drive until you know what effect it has on your judgement, coordination, and reaction time. Any effect could impair your driving ability.

Certain medications may not impair you on their own, but if taken with a second medication or with alcohol, they may cause impairment. Any form of impaired driving is illegal. 

Passengers

If a driver has ingested an impairing substance, such as prescription drugs, sleep medication, marijuana, or any form of illegal drug, he or she should not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.

Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone-they’ll thank you later.

Driving Services

Use a safe driving service like Uber or a Lyft.

SaferRide App

SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up. Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on the following platforms:

  • Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices
  • Google Play for Android devices

Report Impaired Drivers

If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 to report them.

Financial Impacts

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) violations are not just for drunk driving. Remember, any impairment, including drugs, is illegal if you are operating a vehicle. On average, a DUI can set you back $10,000 from:

  • Attorney feesIf You Feel Different, You Drive Different
  • Car towing
  • Court costs
  • Fines
  • Higher insurance rates
  • Lost time at work
  • Repairs

Traffic Safety

For more information, visit the Traffic Safety Marketing Website.