Driving impaired means getting behind the wheel after consuming any type of drugs or alcohol that could alter your driving abilities. This includes prescription and over the counter drugs. Next week is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. A great time to learn more and share facts about how impaired driving is not only illegal, but dangerous. Events will be held all over, so make sure you take part by heading over and registering your event too.
Here are some quick facts for you to ponder:
- The NHTSA’s “Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk” study, the largest ever of its kind, found that outside alcohol, marijuana – specifically THC – is the most commonly detected drug found in impaired drivers.
- THC positive drivers in deadly crashes were more likely to be involved in daytime crashes.
- Most impaired drivers in fatal crashes had multiple substances in their system.
- Marijuana significantly impairs judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time.
- Combining drugs or drugs and alcohol increase crash risk substantially.
Driving while intoxicated (includes intoxication from alcohol, drugs, or both) carries hefty fines.
- Minimum Punishment: Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days nor less than 72 hours, and a fine of not more than $2,000.
- Maximum Punishment: Imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years nor less than 2 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
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