Tiger Woods faces a DUI charge in Florida. The charge stems from his actions while driving on prescription drugs. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 10 million people aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of drugs during the year prior to being surveyed. NSDUH findings also show that men are more likely than women to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Further, a higher percentage of young adults aged 18 to 25 drive after taking drugs or drinking than do adults 26 or older.

Missouri law defines “Intoxicated” or “intoxicated condition”, as being “when a person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drug, or any combination thereof.” Section 577.010 RSMo., makes it a crime to drive a motor vehicle while intoxicated in Missouri.

The Dangers of Driving on Prescription Drugs

Many people are on multiple drugs, especially prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, which may multiply their impairment. A variety of legally purchased drugs can impair drivers just as effectively as alcohol or illegal substances.

It’s difficult to determine how many auto accidents involve those driving on prescription drugs. This is because:

1. a good roadside test for drug levels in the body doesn’t yet exist;
2. law enforcement officials don’t usually test for drugs if drivers have an illegal blood alcohol level because there’s already enough evidence for a DWI/DUI charge (only 53% of drivers in Missouri are tested according to a recent study);
3. many drivers who cause auto accidents have both drugs and alcohol or more than one drug in their system, making it hard to know which substance had the greater effect;

A 2009 study by the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration found that 18 percent of drivers killed in an auto accident tested positive for at least one drug.

Common prescription drugs with the capacity to impair driving and cause auto accidents include:

Antidepressants
Decongestants
Antihistamines
Anti-anxiety medications
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Sleeping pills

If you suffered an injury after being involved in an auto accident in Missouri or Arkansas caused by someone driving on prescription drugs, contact our experienced Poplar Bluff personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim. You can also call us at (573)686-2459. We are here for you when you need us. Our commitment is to earn your confidence by answering all questions and providing quality representation.