In the United States, many individuals are aware of the serious consequences caused by drunk driving,

texting while driving, and talking on the phone while driving. One issue that is overlooked and is

progressing in the United States, is Drugged Driving.

 

A survey done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found during weekend nighttime hours,

16% of drivers tested positive for drugs in their system. Also 11% of drivers during the weekend daytime

hours also tested positive for drugs. This includes illicit drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter

drugs.

 

The statistics that are gathered show that drugged driving is a growing public safety issue. As more

and more states change laws on what drugs are legal, there will be a increase in these statistics if awareness

is not brought to the public. Minnesota is addressing this danger with training for law enforcement state wide.

 

Bringing awareness to the state of Minnesota on the dangers that drugged driving creates helps the public understand

the importance of knowing the consequences of driving while under the influence of drugs. Educating the public on what

substances can alter reaction times, motor skills, judgment, and even perception is one step.  Law enforcement 

officers also need to be educated on identifying drivers that are impaired on substances other than alcohol. 

 

The Drug Evaluation and Classification and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Training (ARIDE)  programs help

law enforcement officers identify drivers that are impaired by a substance other than (or in addition to) alcohol.

Law enforcement officers receive necessary training to help make the roads and communities a safer place

for the public.