Everyone knows that drunk driving is not only illegal in Pennsylvania but extremely dangerous. Those who are under the influence of alcohol not only put themselves at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries but also endanger the lives of everyone on the road. But, did you know drugged driving can be just as dangerous?
Take this story for example. The Pennsylvania State Police recently responded to an accident in Salem Township in Luzerne County where two pickup trucks collided head-on. One of the vehicles caught fire following the collision. The driver and the passenger of that vehicle both died on the scene.
In the other vehicle, there were two other occupants. The driver, who was sent to the hospital, said that he smoked marijuana one hour prior to the accident. According to a blood test, the driver did, in fact, have drugs in his system.
Facts About Drugged Driving
As you can see, drugs can play a role in fatal automobile accidents. According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 44 percent of fatally-injured drivers who were tested for drugs showed positive results. Among that percentage, 38% tested positive for marijuana, 16% tested positive for opioids, and 4% tested positive for both marijuana and opioid use.
Some believe drugged driving can be more dangerous than drunk driving. Different drugs can cause different kinds of impairment to those who drive. Marijuana can significantly slow a driver’s reaction time and decrease their coordination. Drivers who use cocaine may act more aggressively or recklessly behind the wheel. If you aren’t feeling like yourself after using any type of drug (illegal or not), you should not drive!
Getting into an Accident
Unfortunately, drugged driving accidents caused by another driver’s negligence can be difficult to avoid for even the most alert driver. If you or your loved one suffered a car accident injury due to a driver being under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medication, you will need an experienced Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, or Scranton personal injury lawyer, such as the ones from Fellerman & Ciarimboli, for help.
Victims of drugged driving accidents don’t only face severe injuries, they could be looking at financial debt, years of pain and suffering, and possible loss of your job.
When you get into a drugged driving accident, it’s important to know what steps you need to take. Like after any car accident, you need to call emergency services, make sure your injuries are taken care of, and contact the insurance company.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli Today
Were you injured because of the negligence of a drugged driver? At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, we have spent years handling claims from automobile accidents victims throughout Pennsylvania. If you want to seek justice, contact our law firm today. We will get you the results you deserve.
