How Drug Use Affects Driving Ability

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to tell you that taking drugs and driving is a bad combination. While both drug abuse and driving a vehicle are inherently risky activities, combining the two simply compounds the problem. Whether you’re driving to visit rehab centers or simply getting on the interstate in Irvine, Calif., never combine drugs with a 4,000-lb fast-moving hunk of metal.

Alcohol is the cause of the majority of drug-related vehicle crashes in the United States, from the Midwest to Irvine. Alcohol’s effect on driving ability is well studied: drinking even one beer before getting behind the wheel increases reaction time, alters vision and depth perception, and reduces coordination. In addition, alcohol impairs a person’s judgment, which can lead the driver to make reckless driving decisions. While alcohol rehab centers and state programs stress the hazards of driving under the influence, thousands of people still drive drunk every year.

Other depressant drugs such as cold medications, sleeping pills and tranquilizers can have disastrous effects on driving ability. Drivers under the influence of such drugs drift between lanes, react slowly to traffic conditions and generally exhibit poor driving functionality.

Stimulants such as caffeine and cocaine can affect driving ability as well. While the majority of Americans from Irvine to the East Coast would say drinking coffee improves their ability to drive, they may just be feeling the reversal of withdrawal symptoms rather than a boost in attentiveness. Yes, people can go to rehab centers even for coffee addiction. In other words, it might be better for drivers to simply not drink coffee in the first place.

Cocaine may mask fatigue, but taking too much can affect a driver’s ability to concentrate. In addition, some cocaine users find the driving experience boring, and may swerve or engage in other reckless driving behaviors as a result. Drivers high on the drug may also experience visual and/or auditory hallucinations.

Drivers under the influence of marijuana are twice as likely to get into an accident as sober drivers, especially in high-traffic, legal-weed areas such as Irvine. While people high on marijuana drive more cautiously, their cognitive abilities are impaired and they are more likely to get lost or be confused by traffic signs.

Driving after the use of a hallucinogenic drug such as LSD is never a good idea. Seriously, just don’t do it. Go visit some rehab centers instead.

While each of these drugs negatively affects driving ability on their own, they can be especially lethal when taken in combination. Vehicle maneuvering is a dangerous enough task as it is; don’t make things any worse by purposely impairing your ability.

Natalie Benoy is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter