As most Indiana residents know, alcohol use contributes to many motor vehicle accidents. There has been much research into the ways alcohol impairs the ability to operate vehicles safely. Still, sometimes police officers cannot determine how a crash occurs. If the authorities rule out alcohol as a contributing factor in your accident, consider exploring the possibility that the other motorist was on drugs.
How do drugs impair a driver?
It depends upon the substance the other motorist consumed. Below you will find data on how three commonly abused drugs affect motorists, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Opioids. Many prescription pain medicines contain opioids, which can impair cognitive functions and make the motorist drowsy.
- Cannabis. Consuming marijuana slows reaction time and other cognitive functions while also causing drowsiness and lack of coordination.
- Stimulants. Stimulating drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine may lead to reckless driving and aggression — two factors that make roadways dangerous.
If the police or other investigators find no other reason for your crash, drug consumption may have played a role. However, acting fast is vital because drugs do not remain detectable in the human system for long. Testing a hair sample for drugs is typically the most effective method as such tests can detect substances for up to 90 days.
If your injuries are serious and require long-term treatment, you need all the financial compensation available. When investigations into the cause of crashes yield no results, it is time to look deeper. Since the authorities do not typically require drug tests without reason, legal assistance can help you uncover the cause of your crash and get the compensation you deserve.
