Infographic

Drugged Driving Infographic

Driving while under the influence of legal or illegal substances puts the driver, passengers, and others who share the road in danger.

Panel 1
What is Drugged Driving? Driving while under the influence of legal or illegal substances. It puts the driver, passengers, and others who share the road in danger. It is illegal in every state.

Panel 2
How Common is Drugged Driving?

Panel 2, Figure 1
In 2017, among people of ages 16 or older…1

  • 21.4 million drove after drinking alcohol.
  • 12.8 million drove after using illicit drugs.*

Panel 2, Figure 2
In 2016, among people killed in driving accidents…2       

  • 43.6% of drivers who were drug tested and had positive results.
    • 50.5% were positive for two or more drugs
    • 40.7 % were positive for alcohol.

* illicit drugs = marijuana, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or methamphetamine.

Panel 3
What are effects of Drugs on Driving?

  • Driving under the influence of drugs affects you and everyone around you.
  • Effects of Drugs on Driving
  • Marijuana—slows reaction time and impairs judgment of time and distance
  • Methamphetamine or Cocaine—aggressive and reckless behaviors
  • Opioids—drowsiness and impaired memory and thinking skills
  • Sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, etc.)—dizziness and drowsiness

Panel 4
What are Some Strategies to Prevent Drugged Driving

  • Offer to be a designated driver.
  • Have a designated driver take all car keys.
  • Get a ride to and from parties where there are drugs and alcohol.
  • Avoid going to parties where alcohol and drugs are present.
  • Talk with friends about the risks of drugged driving.

For more information, visit NIDA’s Drugged Driving DrugFacts.

References

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHDetailedTabs2017/NSDUHDetailedTabs2017.htm#tab6-84A. Accessed September 24, 2018.
  2. Governors Highway Safety Association. Drug-Impaired Driving: Marijuana and Opioids Raise Critical Issues for States | GHSA. https://www.ghsa.org/resources/DUID18. Accessed August 20, 2018.