Drugged, Drunk, and Distracted Drivers Put Us All at Risk
"In the past few decades, Americans have come to realize the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. Thanks to increased awareness and the efforts of concerned groups and
individuals to draw attention to the problem, there has been a decline in the number of people injured or killed as a result of drunk driving. Traffic fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes decreased nearly 10 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Alcohol use, however, is only one dangerous behind-the-wheel behavior. Increased attention is now being focused on other types of dangerous driving behavior, such as text messaging, talking on a cell phone, and drugged driving. More than ever, it is time we recognize the dangers of drugged driving and take steps to reduce this threat to our Nation’s health and safety.


Use of any drug that acts on the brain can impair motor skills, reaction time, judgment, and other faculties required for safe driving. Drugged driving is a public health concern because it not only puts the driver at risk; it also endangers the lives of passengers and others sharing
the road..."