Drugged driving is an increasing issue among motorists and has become a serious safety threat, according to Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana motorists surveyed in a new study conducted by AAA. Approximately 75 percent of motorists in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio feel that a driver’s use of illegal drugs is a safety threat. Only 71 percent feel the same way about drunk driving, and 34 percent say a driver’s prescription drug use before hitting the road is a threat to other motorists’ safety. In recent years, there has been an increase in media coverage regarding vehicle accidents involving drugged drivers. Public awareness surrounding the issue has increased as a result. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that marijuana is the second most common substance found in blood samples taken from drivers following an accident; second only to alcohol. Drugged driving, primarily involving marijuana use, among teen drivers has increased over the past four years, while drunk driving has steadily decreased. Drugged driving has increased in the eight-county area which makes up the Northern Kentucky Area Development District; 155 drugged drivers were reported in 2014, up from 138 in 2013. Just last week, AAA held their first regional Drugged Driving Summit, bringing safety officials from local, state, and national organizations as well as medical experts and educators, together to devise strategies to lower the occurrence of drugged driving in each state. In order to obtain accurate crash data involving drugged driving, uniformity in law enforcement agencies’ accident reporting is necessary; many agencies do not differentiate between drunk and drugged driving in these reports. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a drugged driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in Cincinnati at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy will fight for justice in your case, working to maximize your compensation.
Drugged Driving Is A Growing Issue In Ohio & Northern Kentucky
