Drugged Driving More Likely to Result in Fatal Crash than Drunk Driving
Drugged Driving More Likely to Result in Fatal Crash than Drunk Driving

The opioid crisis in the U.S. has caused myriad issues. One serious problem that has arisen from the crisis is a shocking increase in drug-related car accidents. In fact, drugs are now more likely to be the cause of a fatal crash than alcohol.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), along with the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR) reported that in 2015, 43% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were under the influence of drugs—both legal and illegal—compared with 37% of drivers who tested above the legal limit for alcohol. About one-third of drivers who tested positive for drugs were under the influence of marijuana. Nearly 10% tested positive for amphetamines. In 2005, 28% of drivers killed in crashes tested positive for drugs. By 2015, that number rose to 43%.

What is Causing the Increase in Fatal Drugged Driving Crashes?

FAAR notes that drunk driving has been on the decline in recent years, yet drugged driving rates have climbed significantly. The exact cause of the increase is difficult to pinpoint. The opioid crisis, which claimed more than 42,000 lives in 2016, is an obvious factor in this upward trend., The decriminalization of marijuana might also be a contributor. Colorado has seen a nearly 50% increase in fatal crashes related to marijuana use since legalizing the drug. Considering marijuana is present in one-third of drugged drivers involved in fatal crashes, this connection cannot be ignored.

“Drugged driving puts innocent lives at risk, and we must be vigilant in our fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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