Drop In DUI Cases Based on Alcohol. Increase in Drugged Driving Cases.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there has been a significant drop in the number of motorists drinking and driving. The report by NHTSA indicated that the number of people who drive with alcohol in their system has dropped by nearly one-third since 2007.

However, the same report suggested that the number of motorists driving with marijuana or other drugs in their system has increased significantly. The survey found that nearly one in four drivers tested positive for at least one drug that could affect safe driving. The findings are based on anonymous surveys conducted by NHTSA. The surveys have been conducted five times over the last 40 years.

Driving under the influence of drugs is an offense under Vehicle code Section 23152(e) and carries the same consequences and penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. DUI based on medication is a growing problem in California. Many medications that are prescribed for common conditions such as depression or anxiety may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Often people do not realize that they are exposing themselves to the possibility of being arrested for DUI by driving with such medications in their system, as little or no advice is given to them by their doctors on the subject.

Defending a DUI based on drugs requires experience and expertise. Please call Gold & Witham for personalized and professional representation.