Most drivers and passengers are aware of the risks of drunk driving. But are you aware of the risks of drugged driving?  From cold medicine to prescription medication to illegal substances, drugs can affect the way you drive and may significantly impair your ability to drive safely.

Consider the Facts

• According to the DEA, 3.6% of the U.S. population reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs in 2001.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that illegal drugs are used by approximately 10-22 percent of drivers involved in all motor vehicle crashes.
• According to the White House report on drugged driving, even drugs prescribed by a physician, can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory

The Risks
Not every drug affects people the same way. One illegal drug might slow a driver down, causing delayed reaction times and additional risks as a result. Another might impair judgment, causing erratic or reckless driving. Another drug might cause changes in behavior that lead to aggressive driving. Some painkillers make drivers sleepy and sluggish, and thus dangerous behind the wheel. Because drivers may have both alcohol and drugs in their system, it isn’t always easy to pinpoint exactly what caused the impairment. It’s difficult to characterize the specific impairments of driving drugged because of the broad spectrum of effects of being on various drugs. Despite this, it’s important to focus on the fact that any drug that affects things like mood, judgment and motor skills has the ability to significantly impair driving.

The Bottom Line
Drugged drivers shouldn’t get behind the wheel. Passengers should not get in the car with someone who is on drugs. Teens may not understand that smoking a joint and driving is as serious as having several beers and driving. Unfortunately, this kind of casual attitude toward drugged driving can lead to motor vehicle accidents and death. Consider that according to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 19. Set an example by never getting behind the wheel when taking drugs that can cause impairment. Talk to your teen about drugged driving and the risks. Make sure that your teen understands that drugged driving and drunk driving are equally risky and illegal.

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When it comes to teens, ignorance is not bliss. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ask tough questions. Put aside discomfort, embarrassment or even dread and start an honest dialogue with your highschooler. By asking the right questions, you create the opportunity to teach—and more importantly, to listen.

Are You Drinking?
According to the CDC, high school students and young people aged 18-24 are the most at risk for binge drinking. With this sobering statistic in mind, ask your highschooler about her drinking habits. You may discover that she’s had a few beers, or that her friends regularly play risky drinking games. Whatever the answer, this is your opportunity to discuss the dangers of underage drinking.

Have You Ever Driven Drunk?
While it may be painful to consider your child getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, it’s better to know than know nothing at all. The answer to this question may surprise you. Does your child know how much alcohol it takes to become legally intoxicated? Has your child ever ridden with a drunk driver? Share driving laws and basic safety tips, and make yourself available as a contact if your child is ever in a dangerous driving situation.

Are You Curious About Drugs?
Even if your highschooler has never taken drugs, he may be curious about drugs. Gateway drugs like marijuana may not seem like a “big deal” to highschoolers. This is the time to share facts about the risks of gateway drugs and the dangers associated with prescription drug abuse. Just because your child’s classmate is prescribed a certain drug doesn’t mean it’s safe for your child to experiment with.

Do You Smoke Cigarettes?
People who start smoking as teens have the hardest time quitting. Ask your highschooler about smoking, and be ready to talk about the real risks, including increased likelihood of having anxiety disorders and depression. By avoiding smoking as a teen, your highschooler will be decreasing the likelihood of developing myriad smoking-related health problems as an adult.

Are You Sexually Active?
Be frank when discussing sex with your highschooler. Teens are often misinformed when it comes to safe sex, especially when intercourse isn’t involved. Using your family’s individual values as a foundation, share safety concerns and ways to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. Avoid language and attitudes that shame your child—these can be roadblocks when it comes to honest, open communication.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of members of the community who strive to address alcohol and drug use in Pinellas County. Visit us online today to see how you can get involved in this cause that is so important to our community.

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