Is drug use increasingly the cause of fatal car crashes in Louisiana?

The first ever analysis of fatal crashes involving drugs has been conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA report, published in November 2010, shows sobering figures that are likely to catch the attention of Lake Charles and Louisiana drivers who want more safety on the road, not less.

Of the 21,798 drivers who were killed in 2009 in motor vehicle crashes, 3,952 tested positive, meaning that 18 percent of the drivers had been under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. The analysis does not mean that the driver was impaired or that drug use was the cause of the crash.

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Drawing similar post-mortem data on drug use among drivers, this time from the different states, the NHTSA concluded that the use of drugs by drivers had increased as follows:

• 13 percent in 2005;

• 15 percent in 2006;

• 16 percent in 2007;

• 18 percent in 2008.

The collected drug data concern both illicit drugs and prescribed or over-the-counter medication, mainly: narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabinoids, phencyclidines, anabolic steroids and inhalants.

The NHTSA warns that the trend of increased drug use is worrisome, even though more studies will be required to ascertain the correlation between drug use, impairment and crashes. Drug use legislation also needs to evolve in all the states to improve testing methods and standardize procedures, so as to make all data comparable.

Whether drugs are taken illegally or for medical purposes, there is a need to increase the awareness in Louisiana that, like alcohol, drugs lead to impairment while driving and can cause terrible damage on the road.

If you have been the victim of a serious car or truck accident in Louisiana caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else, contact immediately the attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE consultation on your case at (504) 680-4100 (local) or (866) 660-7220 (toll free) or by sending us an e-mail.