3 Reasons Why Driving Under the Influence of Drugs is a Bad Idea
You may feel like you’re on top of the world, indestructible, and capable of anything when you’re on drugs. But the truth is, you’re just susceptible to taking risks because your judgment is often impaired. Too often, people under the influence of drugs get behind the wheel and embark on what they think is a safe journey. However, although they may be wide awake, their brain isn’t concentrating on the road – which can have a devastating impact on themselves and other road users, often resulting in death. Throughout this article, we will look at why driving under the influence is a bad idea.
Hit By a Drugged Driver
If you’re on the other end of an accident with a drugged driver, you may be in for compensation and will be able to press charges. Once any crash has happened, follow the usual procedures for post-collisions. Then, before you speak to anyone else about the incident, get in touch with a decent car accident lawyer. An attorney will be able to guide you through the compensation case and land you with the best win possible.
Slowed Reaction Times
When you take certain drugs, your reaction times slow down, which can lead to accidents. Cannabis, for example, can relax the mind and make you slower overall. When you’re driving and need to stop in an emergency, it takes the sober brain 0.2 seconds before they’ve even done anything. In an emergency braking situation, traveling at 60mph, it would take roughly 6-7 seconds to stop. If you take more time than this, you’ll end up causing a serious collision and could end up leaving your car in a body bag.
Risk-Taking
Stimulant drugs, like cocaine and amphetamines, may not dampen your reaction times but will cause you to drive erratically. When you’re in this heightened state, your mind is more likely to take risks that can have terrible consequences.
It’s Not Just Illicit Drugs
Although illegal drugs are more dangerous and hold serious consequences in the eyes of the law, even prescription drugs can impact your driving. For example, anti-depressants are perfectly legal but can cause a person to become drowsy. Falling asleep at the wheel because you didn’t follow safety instructions is the last thing you want to happen when you’re on the way for a cheeky Big Mac.
Receiving Help
If you have issues with drugs and have driven on the road under the influence, it’s okay to need help to get clean. In the US, there are services available to support change. You can go to meetings, rehab, or get help reducing amounts through various clinics. The cost of driving under the influence of drugs isn’t worth it, so stop and think.
Getting hit by a car can be a shock to the system that leaves you frightened. Being hit by someone under the influence can be much more devastating. Try to remain calm at the scene, contact local law enforcement, and get yourself a quality injury lawyer if you’ve been hit.
