Drugs – Illegal and Prescription
If there is anything more reckless than driving under the influence of alcohol, it is taking illegal drugs when you know you’ll be driving. Not too far behind that is taking perfectly legal prescription drugs. When you get behind the wheel and you are operating under the effects of any foreign substance, injuries and fatalities you cause have the same result. It does not matter why you took the drug or medication.
First off, when you take an illegal substance, you have already opened yourself up to trouble – after all, illegal means illegal. Regardless of your driving related woes, you can face criminal charges just for possession let alone use of an illegal substance. Today, we face a new challenge as well. The use of recreational marijuana has become more prevalent in society. It is now legal in many states. However, that does not mean it is not dangerous to use before or during the time you operate any vehicle. Unfortunately not a lot is known at this point. Regardless of the legality, though, remember that many people use marijuana because it makes them feel differently. That alone should be enough to discourage you from using it if you even think you will be driving.
Drugs, especially hard core illegal substances, magnify the already negative effects you experience with alcohol. Your decision making skills suffer as do your reflexes. Your ability to react to hazards will most certainly be impaired. Even worse, a feeling of being invincible you may develop might cause you to take chances you never would when thinking straight.
The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are similar to those you read about for driving under the influence of alcohol. That, again, is before criminal charges are brought against you for possession and/or use. One last thing: Whether with alcohol or drugs, if you are stopped and found with a BAC exceeding 0.08%, 0.04% for commercial drivers, or 0.02% for under 21 drivers, you are subject to the Admin per se law. Your license is immediately confiscated by law enforcement. You will be given a notice of suspension or revocation. This again, before you even go to court for any other offense you committed. Admin per se violations also get you a full 6 points against your driving record.
Drugs and alcohol before driving? Next to operating while blindfolded,
this is probably the most dangerous thing you could do.
On top of that, any mix of drugs and alcohol can lead to your overdosing. How well will you control your vehicle if that happens?