Report indicates drugged driving a problem among young, P.2
In our last post, we began discussing the results of a new report cited by Gil Kerlihowske of the National Drug Control Policy which pointed to the need for increased attention to drugged driving.
Drugged driving, like drunk driving, is a violation of Connecticut’s DUI law, and can result in similar consequences. Because both alcohol and various drugs affect driving ability, there is a strong push to battle these offenses. As we noted the National Drug Control Policy and Mothers Against Drunk Driving will be conducting a public awareness campaign to do just that.
Interestingly, the report cited by Kerlihowske indicated crashes caused by stimulants has decreased by 40 percent since 2005, while positive results for narcotics and depressants have increased by 36 percent and 39 percent.
The 2009 data also shows that alcohol often goes along with drugs. Among drivers that tested positive for any drug, 48 percent also tested positive for alcohol.
Although DUI offenses can be prosecuted without any direct evidence of a person’s blood alcohol content, drunk driving suspects are often given a breath test. A BAC above .08 will result in a presumption that the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence. An impaired driver will be arrested, their vehicle towed at their expense, and they will be taken to the police station and kept under arrest until bail.
With each DUI offenses, penalties tend to become harsher. Connecticut, like many states, takes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs very seriously. It is important for anybody charged with DUI to obtain the best representation possible.
Source: CBS News, “Drugged driving report shows high toll among young,” David W Freeman, Monica DyBuncio, Oct 13, 2011.
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