Regardless of whether an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they cannot safely operate a vehicle while they are impaired. Their critical cognitive functioning and motor skills needed to properly operate a vehicle are severely hindered by the side effects of drugs. Drugs such as marijuana, opioids, and methamphetamines negatively impact a motorist’s judgment. Unfortunately, impaired driving is a leading cause of serious and fatal car accidents. According to statistics, impaired driving is responsible for over 10,000 deaths in the United States every year. It is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous to operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident due to another motorist’s negligent actions, contact an experienced Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer who can help you seek the justice you deserve. In addition, please continue reading to learn about the dangers of driving while impaired by drugs.
How often do drugs play a role in car accidents in Maryland?
In Maryland, many fatal car accidents occur as a result of motorists operating a vehicle while they are impaired by drugs. Collisions that occur as a result of impaired driving are preventable. Motorists must refrain from getting behind the wheel while they are under the influence of drugs. According to statistics, in the United States, 29 people die in an auto collision caused by impaired driving every day. As mentioned above, operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous. Drugs can cause a motorist to have reduced coordination and slower reaction times. In addition, they can result in blurred vision and diminish a motorist’s depth perception. Certain types of drugs can lead a motorist to drive aggressively, putting everyone on the road’s lives in danger including their own. Collisions that involve impaired driving often result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries.
Furthermore, one of the main reasons drugs play a huge role in car accidents is that motorists do not read the warning labels on their prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. The warning labels indicate the side effects and whether an individual can “operate heavy machinery” such as a car while they are on the prescribed drug. If a motorist neglects to adhere to the instructions on the warning label or takes the wrong dosage of their prescribed drug, they can experience drowsiness and dizziness. This can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle. Despite some drugs being legal, they still have side effects that could hinder a motorist’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Misusing prescription drugs can lead to serious accidents and collisions. Victims of auto collisions that are caused by impaired driving typically do not walk away from these accidents unscathed.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our adept and determined team members. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek monetary compensation for their losses. Allow our firm to assist you today!
