Drivers, who were driving under the influence of drugs, were involved in approximately 25% of all fatal single vehicle accidents between 1998 and 2009.  This indicates to Houston car accident attorneys that driving under the influence of drugs is a much bigger factor in accidents than we currently know.

According to the research, which was based on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, drivers in approximately 25% of all fatal accidents had traces of drugs in their system, while 37% were driving under the influence of alcohol greater than the .08% limit.  50% of the drivers were driving under the influence of drugs, but had no alcohol in their system.

An interesting fact that seems to come out from the study is that driving under the influence of alcohol can be more dangerous than drugged driving.  The risks of a fatal accident increases when a person is driving under the influence of alcohol, and it is of no consequence if this person is also under the influence of drugs.  Drugged driving seems to increase the possibility of an accident, only when no alcohol is involved.

These findings should be analyzed in light of the fact that there are so many limitations associated with testing for drugs.  Many drugs may remain in the system for days after.  Therefore, it’s difficult to make an exact assessment of the increased risk of an accident after a person has imbibed drugs.  The number of people being killed every year in accidents fueled by drug use may be much more than merely 25% of the total accident toll.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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