Can One Pill Lead to a Philadelphia Car Accident?

We take precautionary measures to ensure we don’t drive drunk. We choose a designated driver and limit our alcoholic beverages. However, some people don’t think twice about getting behind the wheel after taking a prescription medication. A recent study might make these same drivers re-examine their behavior.

The Impact Drugs Have on Driver Safety
According to a recent study by the researchers at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1 in 5 drivers who were killed in car accidents in 2009 had drugs in their systems. These findings have caused much concern regarding the impact drugs are having on driver safety.

Researchers tested nearly 3 in 5 drivers who were killed in auto accidents. They reported that close to 4,000 of them tested positive for drugs. The tests included legal and illegal drugs, such as heroin, methadone, morphine, marijuana, inhalants and prescription medications. However, given that drugs can linger in a person’s body, it was unclear as to when the drivers had taken the drugs before the fatal accidents.

When Does a Person Become Too Impaired by a Drug to Drive?
Even though researchers are starting to connect the dots in terms of the impact of drugs on fatal crashes, what is still uncertain is at what point a driver becomes impaired. Alcohol intoxication is fairly apparent, as a blood alcohol content of .08 is believed to impair a person’s ability to drive. Researchers are still trying to determine the level of drug use that can impact a driver’s reaction time and judgment.

White House Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske, was quoted in The Washington Times as saying, "it’s very clear that we’ve got a significant problem." He also said that if more police officers were trained in detecting drug use and there were improved testing procedures and standards, efforts against drugged driving could be helped.

Drugged Driving Accidents
If you have been hurt in a New Jersey or Pennsylvania car accident caused by a drugged driver, you may be able to recover compensation. Contact an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney for advice regarding your case.

For further information, contact the law firm of Cooper & Schaffer by calling 888-545-4755 or filling out our online form. The initial consultation is free.


Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers represent cases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We have many convenient office locations to serve you.



Be sure to order a FREE copy of one of our informative books, Seven Ways to Destroy your New Jersey Personal Injury Case or Seven Ways to Destroy your Pennsylvania Personal Injury Case.

Read more about the impact of prescription medication on drivers in our article: Some Prescription Medications Raise the Risk of Auto Accidents.