California Drugged Driving Increases

Drugged driving involving everything from marijuana and other street drugs to prescription drugs such as Ambien has been shown to be increasing in California. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2010 approximately 30 percent of California drivers who died as a result of traffic accidents had drugs in their system. Another study by the Office of Traffic Safety showed that California drivers are taking to the road while under the influence of various drugs at twice the rate of drunk drivers. According to that study, close to half of drivers surveyed had used marijuana before driving or marijuana in combination with alcohol or another drug. The study also confirmed the widespread use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs which can impair driving skills.

Prescription sleep drugs, such as Ambien, have lately come under scrutiny due their dangerous side effect of sleep driving, where users take to the road while under the drug's influence, often without any conscious awareness of doing so. Several high-profile traffic accidents involving Ambien users have been reported in the news in the last few years, including an accident involving the former U.S. Commerce Secretary. As of now, DUI reports by law enforcement do not necessarily show whether the case involves alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. As of 2014, that will change which will provide more accurate and constant statistics as to the underlying substances involved in all California DUIs.

San Diego Auto Accident Attorney

California, due to its large population, is one of the leading states for traffic accidents which injure or kill thousands of people annually. Unfortunately, most of these accidents involve driver error which can range from mere inattention to drunk or drug-impaired driving, distracted driving (cell phone usage), speeding, or other illegal maneuvers. All of these driving behaviors involve negligence for which the implicated driver and / or his insurance company can be held accountable. For those injured in such accidents, it is recommended that you seek experienced legal assistance to ensure that your injury claim results in optimum legal compensation for your damages.

At the Law Offices of Mark Bush, a Legion Counsel affiliated law practice, you can obtain skilled legal help from a personal injury attorney with more than 20 years of experience. Attorney Bush formed his practice to protect the rights of the injured in dealing with insurance companies and those responsible for negligence-based accidents. The firm offers a free, initial consultation to help you understand your legal rights and options. You can get started by contacting their offices to arrange to speak to an attorney today.