Personal Injury Blog

Drug Use a Factor in 25% of Fatal Accidents

July 5th, 2011
Drug Use

Drug Use

Drug use as a contributing factor in accidents in the United States may be a much bigger factor than Los Angeles car accident attorneys are aware of.  A new study indicates that drug use may be involved in as many as 25% of all fatal accidents in the country.

The researchers from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Calverton, Maryland set out to prove the link between drugs and the occurrence of fatal accidents involving speeding, failure to obey traffic laws, failure to wear seat belts and inattention.  They found that the percentage of fatal accidents caused by drunk driving during this period of time was much greater than the figures estimated by the National Roadside Survey of 2007.

The study analyzed data from more than 44,000 drivers.  These drivers had been involved in single-vehicle fatal accidents over a ten-year period between 1999 and 2009.  The analysis of the data revealed that close to a quarter of the drivers involved in accidents tested positive for drug use.  A further 37% had traces of alcohol in their system higher than the .0% limit.  According to the data, some of the most common drugs that were found in persons’ systems after a car accident were cocaine, amphetamines and marijuana.

The researchers also found differences in the effect of certain drugs on crash risks.  Stimulants and cannabinoids accounted for about 23% of the positive drug test results after these accidents.  These drugs were also found in 6% of all motorists who were killed in these accidents.  Stimulants were more likely to be linked to all four different types of accidents in the study, including those involving speeding, inattention, failure to use seat belts and failure to obey traffic laws.

The researchers say that it can be hard to pinpoint the exact role of drug use in impairing a person’s driving.  Some drugs can stay in a person’s system for a longer period of time, and could impact his driving abilities for longer.  There is also little that we know about the exact role that drugs play in impairing a person’s driving abilities.  While this study does lay out clearly the great risks from people driving under the influence of drugs in California, it doesn’t provide a lot of answers.

Intriguingly enough, the study found that a combination of drugs and alcohol does not necessarily increase a person’s risk of an accident.  In fact, alcohol usage seems to be a much greater contributing factor in accidents than narcotics.  When a person was driving under the influence of both narcotics and alcohol, his risks of an accident were not greater than if he had been driving under the influence of alcohol alone.

 

Posted by at 5:03 pm: No comments

Leave a reply



Share This Page With A Friend
Find The Reeves Law Group On

Latest Review

The Reeves Law Group
Excellent, highly recommended

"I was very pleased with my overall experience with The Reeves Law Group. The staff was friendly and helpful, and my attorney was skillful and aggressive in getting an excellent settlement recovery for me, including reimbursement for my lost income."

 - Camilla C. Castagna 5.0

FreeConsultation

24 Hours
EASY & CONFIDENTIAL CLICK HERE ›
SPEAK TO A LAWYER NOW
1-800-644-8000

Client Testimonials

  • "I would recommend The Reeves Law Group to my family and friends for attorney representation of any bodily injury claims they might have..."

    — C.O., Los Angeles

  • "I cannot thank this firm enough. The attorneys and support staff were caring, attentive and diligent at every step of the way and produced an outstanding result in the case."

    — M.N., Orange County

  • "I am very happy with $981,932.68 The Reeves Law Group obtained for me for injuries I suffered in an automobile accident. The legal representation provided by the Reeves staff was excellent..."

    — G.D., Ventura County

  • "I appreciate the level of excellence and compassion put forth in my case. This law firm made what was stressful in the beginning a non-stressful case in the end. Thank you!"

    — J.H., Riverside

  • "I was very happy with attorney Pakiz of your office, who worked very diligently and was very courteous with me. I would not hesitate to call on or recommend your office in the future."

    — T.M., Orange County

  • "I would refer The Reeves Law Group to friends and family."

    — J.K., San Diego County

  • "I found the attorneys to be compassionate for my needs and tenacious against the insurance company representatives, while working to achieve an outstanding settlement result."

    — F.H., Los Angeles County

  • "Dear Mr. Reeves: Your representation and guidance during the pendency of my injury case are very much appreciated..."

    — A.C., Santa Ana

  • "I received great service and am very happy with the way your firm handled my case."

    — J.F., Orange County

  • "Great job on the whole process. It was a fast process, and there was always someone for me to talk to."

    — D. H., Rialto

  • "We came to you from another law firm that didn't help. Your offices made us feel like we were your only clients. Thank you so much for the terrific service!"

    — R.L. and E.L., Orange County

  • "Great job - great damages recovery! Thank you Mr. Reeves and staff for quality legal representation and results in my personal injury case."

    — M.I., Riverside County

Helpful Links

Our Blog Over 3,000 Articles Daily articles on Personal injury news & analysis
Click Here ►
Our Guarantee If there is no recovery you don't pay a fee
Learn More ►
Video Library A helpful resource for your injury case
Click Here ►