Seeing a driver ahead of you driving erratically may make you wonder what’s going on. Are they having a medical emergency? Are they texting while driving? Are they under the influence?
If it turns out that the driver is under the influence, most would assume that this is due to alcohol consumption. However, that’s not always the case.
Prescription Medication
Believe it or not, drivers can be considered driving under the influence (DUI) if they take a prescription medication. There are various medications with the specific warning “may cause drowsiness.” This is the manufacturer doing their due diligence to inform consumers that their drug may be dangerous should a consumer choose to take it and drive. If pulled over by law enforcement and a driver says they only had the medication but no other substances in their system, they could still be charged with a DUI.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Like prescription medication, many over-the-counter medications have warnings listing that they may cause drowsiness. This is a signal for drivers that if they take this type of medication or abuse it and then choose to drive, they are doing so dangerously.
Marijuana
While a driver may blow a 0.0% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on a breathalyzer, they could still face DUI charges if they smoked or ingested marijuana before getting behind the wheel. Marijuana releases dopamine into the brain, giving users a calm or euphoric feeling. Depending on a person’s intake or tolerance level will determine how marijuana affects them. Nonetheless, if a driver is high and not behaving in a typical manner, they could be charged with a DUI.
Illegal Drugs
Similar to marijuana, the effects of illegal drugs can make a driver seem intoxicated. If law enforcement determines that illegal drugs are the reason behind someone’s driving behavior, that driver could face DUI charges.
Did an Intoxicated Driver Injure You?
Whether a driver was intoxicated through alcohol or considered under the influence by another method, you have every right to seek damages if they hurt you. The Georgia and Tennessee personal injury attorneys at The Roth Firm, LLC can help you get the compensation you deserve after this type of accident. See how our dedicated team has helped others and reach out to us day or night so we can start working on your claim. (404) 777-4899
