Over the last few decades, drunk driving has been the No. 1 cause of death on America’s highways. States have invested millions of dollars into anti-drunk driving campaigns, enforcement of traffic laws and treatment for alcoholism. MADD, SADD and other organizations have been on a mission to teach Americans, especially young Americans, about the dangers of driving drunk.
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According to a recent study, over half of drivers killed in the U.S. had either alcohol or drugs present in their body during the time of their crash. An article in Reuters showed data from 14 states presented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Recently, two United States Senators made a statement saying federal money from a proposed transportation funding bill should be used in order to train law enforcement officials to identify drugged drivers.
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A recent study sought to examine the effects of marijuana use on driving tasks (Anderson, Rizzo, Block Pearlson & O’Leary, 2010). The research involved 50 men and 35 women who were all between the ages of 18 and 31. Each participant had some experience using marijuana but used it less than ten times each month.
It is no secret that drugs negatively impact a person’s ability to make sound judgments, perform simple motor skill functions and react quickly. Alcohol produces similar impairments. Drunk driving is a problem that has garnered public outcry and reprisal. Drugged driving is a lesser-known but equally serious problem that has recently been brought to the public’s attention.
There are many dangerous behaviors associated with the use of drugs and alcohol. The rate of risky sexual behaviors goes up with the use of drugs and alcohol, as well as the occurrence of related injuries. One dangerous behavior that affects not only the user but countless others is the decision to drive while using drugs or alcohol.
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There are many dangerous behaviors associated with the use of drugs and alcohol. The rate of risky sexual behaviors goes up with the use of drugs and alcohol, as well as the occurrence of related injuries. One dangerous behavior that affects not only the user but countless others is the decision to drive while using drugs or alcohol.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information about the state of drug and alcohol use in the United States. The reports issued by SAMHSA offer insight into developing effective strategies for preventing dangerous behaviors associated with substance use.
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Former Major League Baseball star Dwight Gooden has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs and leaving the scene of an accident.
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Gil Kerlikowske, the federal drug czar, visited Las Vegas on Wednesday in an effort to raise awareness about drugged driving. While the number of people driving drunk has declined in the last 30 years, the number of people driving under the influence of drugs—both illegal and prescription—has increased.
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