Drugged Driving in Dallas May be a Bigger Problem than You Think

Drugged driving is a major issue in Dallas and across the U.S. The effects of drugs, both recreational and prescription, can be felt by car accident victims each and every day. While drunk driving gets the bulk of the attention, drugged driving is quickly becoming a leading cause of serious and fatal car crashes.

Drugged Driving and Its Impact

In order to better understand the terrible impact that drugged driving has on motorists across the nation, the Governors Highway Safety Association has compiled data on driving while under the influence of drugs. According to a 2007 study by the NHTSA, 11 percent of drivers operating in the daytime tested positive for the prescience of drugs. At night, the rate increased to 14.4 percent. In addition, 33 percent of drivers who were killed in a car accident, whose drug tests were known, tested positive for an illegal, over-the-counter, or prescription drug.

Fighting Drugged Driving

A newer, stronger drugged driving policy was recently announced. The GHSA hopes that through a national-state partnership, states will work harder to prevent drivers from getting behind the wheel after taking certain drugs and punishing drugged drivers when they are caught. Recommendations include:

• Allowing for separate laws regarding drunk and drug-impaired driving
• Creating better, standardized laboratory procedures for indentifying drugs that impair driving
• Providing effective training for police agencies to identify drugged drivers
• Increasing both the reporting and testing for accidents involving fatally injured drivers
• Allowing for better training of those tasked with prosecuting drug-impaired drivers
• Continuing to increase in-depth research into the scope of the drugged driving issue and ways to prevent its occurrence

Drugged Driving Accidents in Texas

If you have been hit by a driver who was on drugs in Dallas, you know exactly how terrible these crashes are. Angry, injured, and not knowing where to turn or what to do next-you need help. Help is waiting.

Please, contact an attorney at Guajardo & Marks for help. Along with expert legal advice, we will be by your side, guiding you through your personal injury case. Ensuring that you get the compensation you need to move on with your life. Do not hesitate. Call today. 1.877.290.1382