There have been plenty of legitimate research studies and horrifying stories about the dangers of distracted driving or drugged and drunk driving. However, it turns out that there may be a new trend as well, known as overdosing while driving.
More car accident cases seen by personal injury attorneys and law enforcement officers are reporting individuals driving behind the wheel of a car when suffering from an overdose. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that the United States is in the midst of a serious epidemic of opioid use. Every state across the country is struggling with the impacts of prescription drug and heroin addictions.
According to national data from 2014, nearly 2 million individuals across the country suffered from an addiction to prescription pain killers. A further 600,000 individuals suffered from heroin addiction. Although these addictions certainly carry their own weight as far as the user’s life and his or her family members and friends, having an overdose behind the wheel of a car can put others in danger. Any driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a risk to everyone else on the road.
A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of more than 3000 drivers involved in car crashes in one state identified that 25% of those drivers tested positive for a medication that has an impact on a person’s ability to drive. If you have already been injured in an accident like this, consult with a personal injury attorney in California as soon as possible to discuss your rights to file a claim.