Drugged Driving Maryland Car Accident
Drugged driving Maryland car accidents make up a handful of the accidents we handle in Maryland yearly. For reasons we will discuss below, drugged driving inhibits your reaction time and makes you a more hazardous driver to be around. We have known for decades that drunk driving is responsible for a significant number of car accidents and fatalities in Maryland. We also now know why drunk driving is so irresponsible. It reduces our reaction times and judgment in making critical decisions, like the ones we make on the road, and we tend to fall asleep. Yet, our society seems to frown less upon drugged driving than drunk driving. However, as we will discuss, drugged driving is a significant risk factor that you should avoid at all costs anytime you get behind the wheel.
In Maryland, the rise of drugged driving incidents mirrors a troubling national trend exacerbated by factors such as the opioid epidemic and the increasing legalization of substances like marijuana. There was a similar problem in the United States decades prior. For a long time, because alcohol was legal, society did not have an issue with drunk driving. While it was still illegal, it was one of the country’s many laws that were not strictly enforced. It took a long time to get society to understand how dangerous it is. We are at a similar inflection point with drugged driving. People may believe that it is ok to smoke cannabis and drive because cannabis is sold legally in many parts of the country, but it is still unsafe to drive.
There are other drugs people have access to in Maryland that negatively affect driving performance. When this happens, everyone on the road is at risk.
Types of Drugs in Maryland Car Accidents
Of course, the types of drugs in Maryland car accidents vary significantly in their effects and frequency. Below, we discuss the most common types of drugs in Maryland car accidents and their impact on driving performance. We will also consider the legal ramifications of driving under the influence of each of these drugs.
If you have been in a drugged driving Maryland car accident, call our office today for a free consultation.
Opioids
Opioids have a potent effect on driving, leading to drugged driving Maryland car accidents. First, opioids can include painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. These common opioids can cause drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and delayed reaction time. All three of these side effects impair driving ability. As you may have realized, all three of these side effects are the same side effects that present themselves in drunk drivers. As we discussed above, society has long frowned upon drunk driving. It is time to do the same for drugged driving. Opioids are powerful prescription drugs and should be taken carefully and at the direction of the prescribing physician. Driving under the influence of opioids is illegal in Maryland.
Antidepressants
While this does qualify as drugged driving, it is not comparable to opioids and should be examined on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, because every case is different, you should follow the directions of your prescribing physician. Further, you can use common sense. If you do not feel like you have the energy to drive because of the antidepressants you are taking, then you already have your answer. This may happen when you are just getting on antidepressants for the first time or getting off them. That is when your body adjusts to the change, and your driving ability may be most affected.
Antihistamines (Allergy Meds)
Common allergy medications can cause sedation, slow reaction times, and decreased coordination in drugged driving Maryland car accidents. This is true even for over-the-counter antihistamines. As a doctor does not prescribe these and you may not receive instruction beyond what is written on the bottle, we recommend taking time to see how your body reacts to the allergy medication before getting behind the wheel. People respond differently to antihistamines. What may not affect one person at all may cause extreme drowsiness in another. However, in general, you should be ok to drive while having taken antihistamines.
Cough Syrups
Unlike antihistamines and antidepressants, cough syrup is something that generally should not be used before driving. Granted, not all, but many cough syrups contain ingredients like dextromethorphan and codeine. These can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired motor coordination. Any of these three is enough for you to not get behind the wheel. If you are dizzy and drive somewhere, you may miscalculate a turn and crash head-on into another car or pole. Thus, while drowsiness or dizziness may not be something serious, it can quickly lead to life-or-death scenarios. You must be prepared and alert whenever you get into the car. You never know what hazards may present themselves. If you drive while under the influence of cough syrup, even if it is over the counter, you may be charged with a DUI. Further, it may cause you to drive negligently and cause an accident.
On the other hand, if another driver strikes your vehicle while under the influence of cough syrup, we are unconcerned with their criminal liability. While they may well be guilty of a DUI, what matters most is whether they were negligent at the time they struck your vehicle.
Cannabis
While cannabis does not have as potent an effect as many opioids, it is far more commonly combined with driving. Consequently, it is responsible for the most drugged driving Maryland car accidents. While many tortfeasors will not come out and say they were under the influence of cannabis, it is apparent to those on the scene. Cannabis impairs motor skills, judgment, and reaction times. While adults 21 or older may possess, use, and grow cannabis in Maryland as of July 2023, it is still illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. Not only are there criminal penalties, but you are more likely to cause an accident if under the influence of cannabis. Avoiding smoking and driving is something that society is still coming around to.
The Impact of Drugged Driving on Car Accidents
Many believe that drugged driving Maryland car accidents are not as severe as drunk driving accidents. That is not the case. Below, we discuss the effects drugs have on your driving abilities.
Effects on Driving Ability
The effects on driving ability are impactful. These effects target essential skills critical to driving safely and effectively. The effects on driving ability are listed here.
- Reaction time. Drugs can slow a driver’s ability to react to sudden stops and unexpected hazards.
- Coordination. Your ability to steer, brake, or operate a vehicle effectively is compromised while under the influence of some drugs.
- Judgment. Your judgment may be compromised while under the influence of drugs.
- Sensory awareness. Drugs like cannabis can significantly alter your sensory awareness. Your sensory awareness and perception of hazards on the road are vitally important to remaining safe on the road.
Broader Consequences
- Economic costs
- Public safety
- Legal impact
- Impact on Emergency Services
Contact our Office
Our attorneys have handled drugged driving Maryland car accidents since our founding 70 years ago. If you are in a drugged driving Maryland car accident, call our office today for a free consultation at (202) 331-7227.