Drugged Driving Page
Resource
Drugged Driving
What is Drugged Driving?
Drugged driving is driving under the influence of impairing drugs, including prescribed, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs. A drug includes any substance that can impair driving. This includes:
- Illegal drugs
- Legal non-medicinal drugs
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
How do Drugs Affect Driving?
Marijuana
- Slow reaction time
- Decreased coordination
- Difficulty paying attention to the road
- Difficulty judging time and distance
Stimulants
(Cocaine, Amphetamines)
- Aggressive, reckless driving
- Increased tendencies to take risks
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired vision and coordination
Benzodiazepines
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Altered perceptions
- Impaired memory
- Slow reaction time
Opiates
- Slow reaction time
- Reduced coordination
- Drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Impaired vision
Check all medications!
Always check prescription medications for warning labels such as “Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when taking these medicines.” Talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking and any potential impacts on driving abilities.
Addiction Recovery Resources
If you are having difficulty with drugs, you are at a higher risk of being in a drugged driving crash.
There are several resources to help with drug addiction, including:
- Treatment Atlas is a resource to help people find addiction treatment that will meet their needs.
- SMART Recovery is the leading evidence-informed approach to overcoming addictive behaviors and leading a balanced life.
For information and resources about drug addiction, visit the North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services.
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