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Driving While Drugged: The Effects Of Driving While Under The Influence

We all know the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. When we all attended drivers ed, we had to watch extremely heartbreaking and depressing videos highlighting all of the alarming statistics related to automobile deaths and its relation to alcohol. However, some people fail to realize that other substances have also attributed to many automobile deaths around the state of Florida and the rest of United States.

The month of December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month. Because of this, we believe that it is our duty as personal injury and car crash lawyers to inform you about some of the alarming statistics associated with driving while under the influence of drugs.

The Rise Of Drugged Driving



According to the National Highway Safety And Traffic Association (NHTSA), driving while under the influence of drugs is rising in numbers. While drunk driving may still present greater threats on the road, the use of prescription drugs and other substances has begun to cause more and more accidents every year. In the state of Florida alone, drugged driving has led to approximately 1,800 accidents every year.

The most common drugs that drivers are tested for come from many different drug classifications. The most abundant drug that has been linked to automobile accidents is marijuana, averaging around 1/3 of the time. Next on the list are prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone, which accounts for a 1/10 of drugged driving accidents. Lastly, are amphetamines, such as cocaine and ecstasy. All of these substances affect drivers in many different ways.

It's A Serious Offense



The consequences for drugged drivers are serious in the state of Florida:

  • First Conviction: $500-$1000 fine, along with the potential for 6 months in prison.

  • Second Conviction: $1000-$2000 fine, along with the potential for 9 months in prison.

  • Third Conviction: Third-degree felony, $2000-$5000 fine, up to a year in prison, and the loss of your license for two years.


Drugged driving is a serious offense. Please be mindful of this growing problem within the state of Florida and throughout the country. If you or a loved one was affected by a drugged driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Let our team of personal injury lawyers help you if that's the case!