Commercials and billboards continue to remind us of the consequences of drunk driving... But maybe it's time to shift the focus to "drugged" driving.
"Sometimes it's a combination of both drugs and alcohol. Sometimes it's just drugs."
Either way, CHP says the danger is the same...
This federally funded survey showed 14% of drivers were under the influence of some kind of illegal drug.
Compare that to 7% who had too much to drink before getting behind the wheel.
The survey also showed a growing number of people are driving while impaired by prescription drugs... About 4.5%.
Sean Duncan, CHP: "Impairment, whether it's from prescription drugs or alcohol or some other illegal drug, if you can't drive your vehicle in a safe manner, then that's a danger to everybody on the road."
If you're on prescription medication, officials say to check with your doctor or pharmacist before driving.
As far as the illegal stuff, the survey showed marijuana was the most prevalent drug among drivers testing positive.
In fact, more than 25% of drivers who tested positive for marijuana, also tested positive for at least one other drug.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looked at the total number of auto collisions in 2010, and found that 30% of drivers who were killed, had tested positive for prescription, or illegal, drugs.
And with heavy traffic expected this holiday weekend, CHP will be keeping an extra sharp eye out for impaired drivers.
"Don't drive recklessly. We want to remind you not to text and drive. Follow the speed limits. Wear your seatbelt. Just be safe. Designate a non-drinking driver if you're going to a family function where alcohol is involved."
For the survey, we should note that 1300 drivers volunteered breath or saliva samples in cities throughout the state.
As far as addressing the problem, the Office of Traffic Safety is now funding programs to train officers to more accurately detect drug-impaired drivers.
Also, Governor Brown recently signed a law which moves each of the DUI categories into separate sections of the vehicle code.
This will help officials get more detailed information on driving offenses, and the subsequent responses.
TXT 24
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