Drugged driving has become an increasingly alarming issue across the United States, with many drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of substances. While alcohol-impaired driving rates have decreased in recent years, drugged driving is on the rise, particularly among young adults.
This article explores the growing problem of drugged driving, the drugs most commonly involved, and how Sunrise Recovery in Indiana is committed to addressing addiction and promoting safer communities.
The Alarming Trend of Drugged Driving
Recent studies have raised serious concerns about the rise in drugged driving incidents. According to
data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 56% of drivers involved in serious or fatal accidents tested positive for at least one drug.
Even more worrying, 43.6% of fatally injured drivers in 2016 tested positive for drugs. These statistics highlight the growing role that drugs—especially marijuana and opioids—play in impairing driving abilities.
With the legalization of marijuana in several states and the ongoing opioid epidemic, drug use behind the wheel is becoming a significant threat to public safety.
Combining alcohol with drugs like marijuana or prescription opioids increases the dangers, as these substances can amplify each other’s effects, making it even more difficult for drivers to remain focused and in control.
Which Drugs Are Most Commonly Involved in Drugged Driving?
Substances like marijuana and opioids continue to be major contributors to drugged driving. Marijuana use among U.S. adults has skyrocketed, with 52.5 million people reporting marijuana use in 2021.
Among younger adults aged 18-25, around one in three reported using marijuana, often before getting behind the wheel. Additionally, opioids are frequently linked to impaired driving incidents, with 9.2 million Americans misusing opioids in 2021.
The risks of drugged driving multiply when marijuana or opioids are mixed with alcohol or other substances. For instance, marijuana’s active ingredient, THC, can remain in the body for weeks, complicating the detection of impairment.
Despite this, marijuana remains the most common drug involved in impaired driving, with studies showing it to be more dangerous when combined with alcohol.
The Impact of Drugged Driving
The dangers of driving under the influence of drugs extend far beyond the risk of accidents. Different drugs affect driving abilities in various ways, increasing the likelihood of crashes and reckless behavior. Some of the most common drugs involved in impaired driving include:
Impaired Driving Statistics
The issue of drugged driving is widespread. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 12.5 million individuals aged 16 and older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs in 2022. Men, particularly those aged 21-25, are more likely to engage in driving under the influence of drugs.
Recent research has also shown that marijuana’s role in crashes is still under study. While some studies indicate no direct increase in crash risk from marijuana alone, it is clear that the combination of marijuana with alcohol or other drugs significantly raises the risk of accidents. Similarly, opioid use while driving has been proven to double the likelihood of a crash.
Drugged Driving Laws and Challenges
One of the challenges in addressing drugged driving is determining the precise level of impairment for each substance. While alcohol has a clear legal threshold for impairment, establishing the impact of marijuana and other drugs is more difficult, especially given the variations in tolerance and the common use of multiple substances.
Some states have introduced zero-tolerance laws for drugs, while others are still working on determining the exact levels of substances that impair driving skills.
For instance, many states have enacted “per se” laws for marijuana, setting a limit on the level of THC a driver can have in their system. However, since THC can remain in the body long after its intoxicating effects wear off, these laws may not accurately reflect a driver’s current impairment.
What You Can Do: Seeking Help for Substance Use and Addiction
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder and the dangers of drugged driving, it is essential to seek help. At Sunrise Recovery, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals working toward sobriety.
Our addiction treatment services focus on a holistic approach, addressing the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction.
We provide inpatient and
outpatient programs in Clarksville, Indiana, designed to meet the unique needs of each person. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of the recovery process.
By focusing on detoxification, individual and group therapy, and aftercare support, we aim to provide lasting recovery and reduce the public health risks associated with drugged driving. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier future,
contact us today at +1 (877) 978-6747.
How Sunrise Recovery Can Help
At Sunrise Recovery, we believe that recovery is possible. Through our evidence-based programs and compassionate support, we help individuals rebuild their lives and achieve lasting sobriety.
Our mission is to reduce the impact of substance use disorders not just on individuals, but on communities across Indiana. Together, we can work toward a future with safer roads and a healthier, drug-free society.
