NHTSA Will Host Summit to Kick off Drugged Driving Initiative

Mar 06,2018

Distracted driving and drunk driving are frequent topics of public safety discussions, but drugged driving is equally problematic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching an initiative to address the problem of drugged driving by increasing education for the public, as well as working with law enforcement to ensure that drugged driving laws are enforced.

The Drugged Driving Problem

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveals that 20.7 million people ages 16 and up drove under the influence of alcohol in the past year, and 11.8 million drove while under the influence of illicit drugs. Additionally, a 2017 report by CNN showed that drugged drivers caused more deaths in 2015 than drunk drivers did. In 2015, drugs were present in 43% of fatally injured drivers with a known test result.

The NHTSA cites both the opioid crisis and the legalization of marijuana in many states as part of the problem. On March 15, the agency will hold a summit to discuss how to best address the drugged driving problem. It is currently working with law enforcement, safety experts and other groups on education, improvement of testing measures, and increasing enforcement of drugged driving laws.

“Drivers under the influence of drugs endanger everyone on the road, including themselves. We must work together to address the issue of drugged driving,” 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 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, 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.