Drugged Driving: The Facts

May 17, 2019

Use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription drugs can make driving a car unsafe—just like driving after drinking alcohol. Drugged driving not only puts the driver at risk, but also passengers and others who share the road…

Why is drugged driving dangerous?

The effects of specific drugs differ depending on how they act in the brain. For example, marijuana can slow reaction time, impair judgment of time and distance, and decrease motor coordination. Drivers who have used cocaine or methamphetamine can be aggressive and reckless when driving. Certain kinds of sedatives, called benzodiazepines, can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which can lead to car crashes.

What can be done about it?

• OFFER: offering to be a designated driver
• APPOINT: appointing a designated driver to take all car keys
• AVOID: avoiding driving to parties where drugs and alcohol are present
• DISCUSS: discussing the risks of drugged driving with friends in advance

Source: NIH