{"id":10803,"date":"2019-09-09T09:06:19","date_gmt":"2019-09-09T13:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toocooltrafficschool.com\/?p=10803"},"modified":"2019-09-09T09:06:19","modified_gmt":"2019-09-09T13:06:19","slug":"prescription-drugs-drugged-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toocooltrafficschool.com\/prescription-drugs-drugged-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"Things You Need To Know About Prescription Drugs and Drugged Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”We\u2019ve all heard about drunk driving, but did you know that there is such a thing called drugged driving?” google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]As the phrase indicates, drugged driving refers to driving while under the influence of drugs. When you\u2019re caught behind the wheel while on a drug, you will face driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) charges, and you will need a DUI drug lawyer<\/a> to defend you. It doesn\u2019t even matter if the drug you\u2019re on is legal.<\/p>\n

Prescription drugs can get you charged with DUID.<\/h3>\n

If you thought that only cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, and other illicit substances in your system could only get you in trouble with the law, think again. Drugged driving laws across the United States cover painkillers, antidepressants, and other legally-prescribed drugs.<\/p>\n

Prescription drugs were included because they have side effects that may lead to impaired driving. Painkillers like opioids, for example, have side effects not different from heroin, such as drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and nausea, all of which could lead to a serious road accident.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

A doctor\u2019s prescription won\u2019t save you in some states.<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re arrested on suspicion of DUID in Arizona, Delaware, and Kansas, then don\u2019t bother showing your doctor\u2019s prescription to the arresting officers. According to DUID laws in those states, legal entitlement to use a drug is not an acceptable defense against a drugged driving charge. Arizona also has in place a per se prohibition against drugged driving.<\/p>\n

DUI laws don\u2019t make a distinction between alcohol and drugs.<\/h3>\n

In most states, DUI laws don\u2019t distinguish between alcohol, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications. All they care about is the possible impairment of the driver, and police officers will do everything from breathalyzer tests to field sobriety tests or FSTs to establish that before making a DUI or DUID arrest.[\/vc_column_text][vc_message icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check”]Driving while under the influence of drugs is serious. Pay close attention to prescription label and follow the warnings. Some medications may cause drowsiness, sluggish behavior or some other physical or mental impairment that can affect your ability to drive safely. While a doctor’s job is to keep you healthy, an officer’s job is to ensure that roadways are safe to use. If you create an unsafe driving environment, then you could get pulled over and cited for driving under the influence![\/vc_message][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What do the officers do when they see an impaired driver?<\/h3>\n

One of the struggles that officers face is being able to distinguish drugged driving versus someone who is driving under the influence of alcohol. However, the typical law enforcement procedure<\/a> entails:<\/p>\n