Drugged Driving
Impairment Comes in Many Forms
Driving under the influence isn’t just about alcohol. Drugged driving is a serious risk, too. Many drivers believe only alcohol impairs driving abilities. However, drugged driving is equally dangerous and often underestimated. It is illegal in all parts of America to drive while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, cocaine, fentanyl, hallucinogens, methamphetamines, or any drug that may impair your ability, whether it is prescribed or available over the counter.
Cannabis
A 2024 survey by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) revealed that 59% of Virginians have used cannabis in their lifetime. However, the survey findings also uncovered alarming data that three in five cannabis consumers use it away from home at least once a week, and 17% of Virginia drivers have driven high a few times or more in the past month. Only 34% of Virginia drivers believe that driving under the influence of marijuana is extremely dangerous; these risky behaviors threaten public safety and health and must be reduced. Those who drive high need to better understand the harmful impact cannabis has on their abilities behind the wheel.
Prescription Drugs
Many medications—even when taken as prescribed—can cause drowsiness, fatigue, blurred vision, delayed reaction time, dizziness, confusion, and impaired judgment or coordination.
Common culprits include opioids (e.g., oxycodone, codeine), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), antidepressants, sleep aids and antihistamines, and ADHD stimulants (e.g., Adderall) if misused. Legally prescribed medications can lead to DUI charges if they impair your driving. Many states have zero-tolerance laws, like Virginia, meaning any detectable amount of certain drugs in your system could result in legal action. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to drive after taking a medication, it is better to play it safe and find another way to get where you are going.
Poly – Substance Use
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a growing number of fatal crashes involve drivers who test positive for multiple substances. This is the hidden epidemic of Poly-Substance Use—driving under the influence of two or more drugs, a combination that can include alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal substances. For example, someone might have a cocaine misuse disorder while also drinking alcohol and misusing sleeping pills or antianxiety medication.
Poly – Substance Use
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a growing number of fatal crashes involve drivers who test positive for multiple substances. This is the hidden epidemic of Poly-Substance Use—driving under the influence of two or more drugs, a combination that can include alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal substances. For example, someone might have a cocaine misuse disorder while also drinking alcohol and misusing sleeping pills or antianxiety medication.
Safe Driving Tips
- Read labels and warnings carefully, especially for new prescriptions.
- Avoid mixing medications with alcohol or other drugs.
- Discuss side effects with your doctor or pharmacist that may affect your ability to drive.
- Test your reaction to a new medication before driving.
Resources
- Dangers of Driving After Taking Prescription Drugs or Over-the-Counter Medicines | NHTSA
- Drugs & Alcohol – IACP
- Drugged Driving Drug Facts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Prescription Medications and Driving: When Does It Become Illegal?
- Understanding Polydrug Use and Its Role in Drug-Impaired Driving
- 2024 Virginia Statewide Impaired Driving Survey report | PDF – Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Other Types of Impaired Driving
Prescription Drugs
Many medications—even when taken as prescribed—can cause drowsiness, fatigue, blurred vision, delayed reaction time, dizziness, confusion, and impaired judgment or coordination.
Common culprits include opioids (e.g., oxycodone, codeine), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), antidepressants, sleep aids and antihistamines, and ADHD stimulants (e.g., Adderall) if misused. Legally prescribed medications can lead to DUI charges if they impair your driving. Many states have zero-tolerance laws, like Virginia, meaning any detectable amount of certain drugs in your system could result in legal action. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to drive after taking a medication, it is better to play it safe and find another way to get where you are going.
Poly – Substance Use
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a growing number of fatal crashes involve drivers who test positive for multiple substances. This is the hidden epidemic of Poly-Substance Use—driving under the influence of two or more drugs, a combination that can include alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal substances. For example, someone might have a cocaine misuse disorder while also drinking alcohol and misusing sleeping pills or antianxiety medication.
Safe Driving Tips
- Read labels and warnings carefully, especially for new prescriptions.
- Avoid mixing medications with alcohol or other drugs.
- Discuss side effects with your doctor or pharmacist that may affect your ability to drive.
- Test your reaction to a new medication before driving.
Resources
- Safe Driving Campaign — Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
- Drugged Driving Drug Facts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Dangers of Driving After Taking Prescription Drugs or Over-the-Counter Medicines | NHTSA
- Prescription Medications and Driving: When Does It Become Illegal?
- Understanding Polydrug Use and Its Role in Drug-Impaired Driving
- Polysubstance Impaired Driving—A Growing Challenge for Law Enforcement | Officer
Other Types of Impaired Driving
