The New Federal Campaign Intended to Help Combat Drugged Driving

While discussions about drunk driving are prevalent, we tend to not hear much about drugged driving. However, the lack of discussion regarding this issue does not make it be any less prevalent of a problem throughout the country, including right here in the Sunshine State. Despite the fact that recreational drug users may not think that drugs such as marijuana can have any negative affect, the reality is that these kinds of drugs are actually involved in a number of car accidents every year. In one study, twenty percent of nighttime weekend drivers tested positive for drugs. Historically, one of the main problems for authorities has been determining how to proceed with drivers that were suspected of being drug impaired. To change this, the federal government is undertaking new steps with a new campaign.

What New Federal Campaign Was Recently Announced to Help Combat Drugged Driving?

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in association with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), recently announced a new $2.3 million grant program that has been created for the purpose of helping to combat drug-impaired driving on America’s roads. The grants will provide funding for state and local agencies to offer Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement and Drug Recognition Expert training to law enforcement, judges and prosecutors. These training programs will be taught in courses that train participants to observe, identify, and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both in order to reduce the number of impaired drivers and traffic crashes.

What is the Law in Florida?

Under Florida Statutes Section 316.193, an individual has committed a has broken the law if he or she is in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Alcohol intoxication can be definitively determined by blood, breath or urine. However, screening marijuana and other drugs are currently much more difficult to detect – hence the new federal campaign outlined above. The current standard in Florida for drug impairment while driving is based on the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired. This includes the ability to perform the many mental and physical activities of daily life, and can include alterations to simple behavior such as walking and talking. Importantly, even legal drugs such as medical marijuana and prescriptions can cause drug-related impairment for purposes of violating the law.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident Caused by a Drug-Impaired Driver?

While some drugs may be thought of as innocent and harmless fun, victims of accidents caused by drivers who have used drugs before getting behind the wheel can attest otherwise. If you or a loved one was injured by a drugged driver, you deserve to hold the responsible parties accountable and to obtain the compensation that you are entitled to. The Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are the legal team that you can depend on for help because we have substantial experience successfully fighting for people who have been victims of others’ negligence. Contact us for help today.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving

https://www.pendaslaw.com/understanding-misconceptions-that-can-lead-to-hot-car-deaths/