While the dangers of sharing the road with drunk drivers are well-documented, less is known about exactly how often people driving under the influence of drugs are causing crashes. What is clear, however, is that the number of people driving under the influence of marijuana and other illicit drugs is on the rise across eastern Texas and the entire nation.
According to KETK, one East Texas county sheriff reports that, until 2018, he and his department arrested about 10 people a year on intoxicated driving charges. In 2018, however, this number spiked to 150 arrests, and the department suspects that 2019’s final figure, once revealed, may be even higher.
Also concerning is the fact that the trend of more motorists driving under the influence of drugs is happening not only in eastern Texas but nationwide. The results of a 2018 study reveal alarming statistics about just how many people are driving high. They also offer insight as to what types of substances drivers are commonly using behind the wheel. Study results revealed that 12 million drivers across the nation attested to having driven under the influence of marijuana, while another 2.3 million acknowledged having used other illicit drugs while driving.
Drivers who choose to drive under the influence of drugs unnecessarily endanger everyone they encounter. The use of marijuana behind the wheel, specifically, has the potential to impact a driver’s responsiveness, judgment and motor coordination. Experiencing a decline in any of these areas may increase a driver’s chances of causing a crash. Find more about car wrecks on our webpage.