There is widespread awareness of the dangers posed by drunk driving, but not nearly as much awareness regarding the serious impact of drug-impaired driving. According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, during 2015, more deaths resulted in the U.S. from motorists who were operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs than those with alcohol in their system.
Of those tested, more than 4 in 10 motorists (43 percent) who died in car accidents in 2015 tested positive for drugs. Meanwhile, 37 percent of those who died in car accidents and were tested had alcohol in their system.
Different Laws And Tests
All 50 states have laws against driving while impaired, but the interpretation of what constitutes drug-impaired driving differs from state to state. Testing motorists for the presence of drugs in their system also varies widely from state to state.
Adding to the complexity of enforcing laws against drug-impaired driving are the varying laws regarding marijuana use in different states. Twenty-nine states and Washington, D.C., have approved medical marijuana use, while recreational use of marijuana is currently legal in eight states and Washington, D.C.
Law enforcement officials are being trained how to recognize signs of drug impairment, but there is currently no comprehensive field test to screen motorists for drug-impaired driving. A full evaluation may not be possible at the scene of an accident or police stop.
Injuries Caused By Drug-Impaired Drivers
If you or a loved one is injured, or a loved one is killed, due to another motorist’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for any lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the at-fault motorist tests positive for drugs or alcohol, you may be able to recover additional penalties.
It is always smart to work with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer following an accident that involves serious injuries. However, when drunk or drugged driving may be involved, it is especially important to enlist the services of an experienced legal team like the one at Klampe Law Firm LLC.
The attorneys at Klampe Law Firm LLC will conduct thorough investigations in order to gain the full set of facts about your accident. We understand Minnesota and Wisconsin laws, and how to maximize the amount we recover for our clients.