Kansas residents may already be aware of the impact that driving while high is having on public health. In 2018, it was estimated that approximately 12 million Americans drove while high. This compares to 20.5 million people who drove while drunk.
A survey was done on approximately 48,000 people during 2018. About 4.7% of the people in the survey who were over the age of 16 admitted that they had driven while high on marijuana. Across the country, an estimated 2.3 million people have admitted to driving while on under the influence.
These figures are concerning for some since they indicate an uptick in driving while under the influence since 2014. Of special concern is the impact that drug use is having on teenagers. Teenagers are new drivers, so they lack the experience of adults. Couple this with their driving while under the influence, and the statistics become even more harrowing.
For decades, the U.S. government has been striving to fight drunk driving. Between the years of 2002 and 2014, it seemed like the government was making some headway. Still, in 2018, approximately 10,511 people died from car accidents involving alcohol. This figure represents 29% of the total traffic deaths on U.S. roads.
There are no tests for marijuana that are similar to blood alcohol content tests. It is hoped that strategies can be developed to minimize marijuana use and the impact of impaired driving among young adults and teenagers.
Being pulled over and charged with a DUI can be a nerve-racking incident. A person may immediately start to think about losing their license, spending time in jail and possibly losing their employment. A criminal defense attorney may help a client who has been accused of driving under the influence. They might call into question the tests used to prove that their client was under the influence and defend their client in court.