In Maryland, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol as these mind-altering substances hinder a motorist’s critical driving capabilities needed to safely operate a vehicle. Despite it being illegal, a large percentage of motorists still engage in this dangerous driving behavior. It is imperative to abide by the rules of the road and refrain from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated by drugs. Drugs play a huge role in serious and fatal car accidents. Those involved in this type of accident rarely walk away unharmed. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a drug-impaired motorist, please read on and contact one of our seasoned Car Accident Attorneys in Prince George’s County, Maryland who can help you seek monetary compensation for your devastating damages.
How often does drug-impaired driving result in serious car accidents?
Similar to alcohol, drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamines, opioids, and cocaine have been proven to severely diminish a motorist’s driving abilities. If you get behind the wheel while impaired, the intoxicating effects often result in serious and fatal accidents. According to statistics, nearly 50% of fatal car accidents in the U.S. involve one or more motorists that tested positive for drugs. If you engage in drug-impaired driving you will not be able to make good judgments on the road as drugs severely hinder one’s cognition. In addition, you will have a difficult time concentrating on the road and your surroundings. It is important to focus and pay attention to the road as you need to be prepared to adapt to changing road conditions. If you engage in drug-impaired driving you will also have slower reaction times which can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Moreover, you will have impaired perception, blurred vision, and an increased sense of confidence that encourages you to drive more aggressively, all of which will increase the likelihood of you being involved in a serious or fatal car accident.
More often than not, car accidents occur as a result of the misuse of prescription drugs. Misusing prescription drugs is not only dangerous but can result in serious accidents. Many prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs stipulate on their warning labels that you should not “operate heavy machinery” such as a car while on medication. However, many motorists neglect to abide by this and get behind the wheel while they are experiencing the intoxicating effects of the medication. Some prescription drugs have side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. These side effects can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle, swerve into other lanes, or engage in dangerous driving behavior. Ultimately, drugs play a huge role in many fatal car accidents because of the way they hinder one’s critical driving abilities. It is imperative to refrain from driving while impaired by drugs to keep everyone safe on the road including yourself.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a result of another motorist driving while they are impaired by drugs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experienced and determined attorneys. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek reasonable compensation for their damages.
