Drugged driving is driving while under the influence of drugs. Like drunk driving, texting while driving and talking on the phone while driving, drugged driving can have serious consequences.

Statistics show that drugged driving is a growing public safety issue. Increasing public awareness about the dangers of drugged driving is important, especially as more states change laws on what drugs are legal. It’s important for people to know what substances can change reaction times, motor skills, judgment and even perception.

It’s also important to train law enforcement officers to identify drivers who are impaired from substances, in addition to alcohol. The Minnesota State Patrol offers trainings like including Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Training (ARIDE) programs. These help law enforcement officers identify drivers who are impaired by a substance other than (or in addition to) alcohol. With necessary training, law enforcement officers make Minnesota’s roads and communities a safer place for the public.