Drugged Driving Becoming a New Offense for Older Drivers

While everyone has heard of the dangerous effects of alcohol and driving, drugged driving is a less known offense that poses similar dangers and legal consequences for those convicted. In Texas, the offense is a DUID, driving under the influence of drugs. Any drug, from an over-the-counter allergy, sleep, or painkiller medication to a prescription drug to an illegal street drug, such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamines can apply. All of these types of drugs can affect the brain, slow reaction time, impair one's motor skills, and negatively affect one's judgment, which can result in miscalculations and errors leading to traffic accidents.

More and more drivers are becoming new offenders as the population ages and becomes more dependent on prescription drugs. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 72 percent of drivers over the age of 55 failed to understand that the medications they took could impair their driving. This age group is the most likely to be taking prescribed medications, often in many combinations, for such chronic conditions as high blood pressure or arthritis. It was found that more than 50 percent of those aged 50 or more take prescription drugs which could potentially affect their driving abilities. Painkillers of all types are especially known to impair driving, because of their tendency to cause drowsiness.

Drugged Driving in Texas

If you are pulled over by law enforcement for suspicion of impaired driving, you may be asked to take a chemical test to determine whether drugs or alcohol show up in your system. If you are found to be driving under the influence of drugs, you will be facing a criminal charge which is punishable by fines, jail time, community service, license suspension, or other court-ordered penalties. Ensuring that you have competent legal representation is your best defense in such a situation.

The Zendeh Del Law Firm in Plano, Texas uses a team-oriented approach that is tailor-made for effectiveness in defending your specific set of DUID circumstances. With a former state prosecutor as part of the legal team, the firm has an in-depth understanding of how such cases are developed and how to fight back with legal strategies. Contact the firm to speak to an experienced attorney about your case to get the help you need today.