ERMA – In a Sept. 6 release, Lower Township Police Department advises: Drug-impaired driving is a problem on America’s highways. Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is impaired driving, which means it is dangerous and illegal in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Washington. Whether the drug is legally prescribed or illegal, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other road users.
Those who think driving while high won’t affect them 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 one’s driving. If it does, the driver will be arrested for a DUI.
If taking a new prescription drug or a higher dose of a current prescription drug, do not drive until its effect is known on the individual’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Any effect could impair driving ability.
If a doctor writes a new prescription or increases a current dosage, be sure to discuss with the doctor whether to drive while taking the medication, or be sure to ask the pharmacist when picking up the prescription.
Always tell the doctor of any drugs being taking (prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal) so they may accurately counsel on whether it is safe to drive while taking them.
Certain medications may not impair on their own, but if taken with a second medication or with alcohol, they may cause impairment. Any form of impaired driving is illegal.
Play It Safe
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 they think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
If the person is drug-impaired, pass the key to a sober driver who can safely drive them to their final destination. Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from operating a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.
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 be thankful later.
Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). 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.
Anyone observing an impaired driver on the road should contact local law enforcement.
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