Everyone knows the profound dangers of drunk driving, a behavior that kills tens of thousands of Americans each year. But another type of substance abuse can be just as lethal, if not more so. Prescription drug misuse/abuse is a massive problem in Texas and beyond.
DrugAbuse.gov explains the basic science: “The effects of specific drugs differ depending on how they act in the brain. For example, marijuana can slow reaction time, impair judgment of time and distance, and decrease coordination. Drivers who have used cocaine or methamphetamine can be aggressive and reckless when driving. Certain kinds of sedatives, called benzodiazepines, can cause dizziness and drowsiness. All of these impairments can lead to vehicle crashes.”
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put the issue into (alarming) perspective: “Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) quadrupled.2 From 2000 to 2015 more than half a million people died from drug overdoses. 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.”
With all that in mind, what if a driver hits you, and you suspect that she is high on prescription medication?
Pay Attention
Watch the person closely and note any unusual behaviors. Are they swaying, weaving, or bobbing when they stand or walk? Is their speech slurred? Do they seem overly agitated or too sedate? These telltale signs can indicate that you have an impaired driver on your hands.
For a free legal consultation, call (972) 535-6377
Call The Police
Call the police if there are any injuries or property damage. A police report helps if you later need to make a claim or sue for compensation. Having a police presence is also a very good idea: you don’t know what someone will do then they are under the influence of any substance.
Get Important Information Right Away
- Write down their license plate.
- Note the make and model of the vehicle that hit you.
- Exchange insurance information.
- Take pictures of vehicle damage, the scene of the crash and any injuries that you or your passengers suffered.
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
- Obtain witness statements, ideally written as soon as possible.
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Consult a Qualified McKinney Car Accident Lawyer ASAP
At the Underwood Law Office, we take your safety very seriously. If you have been involved in an accident and need legal representation, please call 972-535-6377. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
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