DUI’s Include Driving While High
Just days before the State of California is scheduled to legalize the widespread sale of marijuana, California Highway Patrol, Sacramento Police Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a public awareness campaign warning of the dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while high or otherwise under the influence of marijuana. The campaign, entitled, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze,” is in response to a recent drunk driving accident in which an allegedly drunk and high individual killed a CHP officer by slamming into his vehicle on a Bay area highway. If you are involved in a Sacramento drunk driving accident, or if you have suffered a Sacramento drunk driving injury, the Sacramento DUI attorneys at Deldar Legal can help you navigate the post accident process.
Marijuana Impairs The Brain
While many people associate DUI’s with driving while under the influence of alcohol, it is really broader than that. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 makes it illegal to drive while under the influence of any drug, whether legal or illegal. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana drastically affects things like:
- coordination
- judgment
- reaction time
- problem solving
Studies have shown that drivers with marijuana in their systems are twice as likely to be responsible for fatal accidents than those who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Colorado, where marijuana was legalized in 2013, marijuana-related traffic fatalities have risen from 55 to 125 since legalization. Especially dangerous is the mixing of marijuana with alcohol.
If you choose to partake in marijuana, this is best done in your home, in a responsible manner.
Identifying Impaired Drivers
Being aware of your surroundings and how you interact with other drivers is critical to avoiding accidents. The best way to avoid and accident with a driver impaired by drugs or alcohol is to be aware of the signs of an impaired driver. These signs can include:
- erratic movements of the vehicle
- drifting into other lanes
- weaving back and forth within a lane
- inability to maintain a consistent speed
- driving significantly slower than the posted speed limit
If you notice any of these signs in a fellow driver, keep your distance. If you have to, pull over or exit the roadway and reenter once you feel a safe distance has been established.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Sacramento DUI Accident And Need A Sacramento DUI Attorney
If you suffer a Sacramento DUI injury, there are a few steps you can take to help ensure your safety.
- Call the police
- Collect the driver’s information, including license plate, drivers’ license and insurance information
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Get witness statements and contact information
- Seek medical attention
- Keep detailed records of your injury, treatment, and accident-related expenses
Calling the police is critical because they can observe the individual and run tests to determine whether that person is indeed under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you need a Sacramento DUI attorney, contact the experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident attorneys at Deldar Legal today to discuss your legal options.
Posted in: Drunk Driving Accidents