Driving is innately dangerous. Motorists need to focus on their surroundings and be ready to make decisions with limited warning. As such, they should avoid circumstances that might impede their ability to focus or make appropriate decisions.
The law prohibits driving after drinking or consuming mind-altering drugs. Despite the rules, impaired driving charges remain relatively common across Illinois and in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. While the laws are slightly different in each state, the same basic standards generally apply to drugged driving charges.
When are drivers potentially at risk of drugged driving allegations?
After using illegal drugs
Any substance that is illegal to possess or consume is unlawful to ingest before driving. Drivers who test positive for or admit to consuming substances ranging from methamphetamine to marijuana could be at risk of drug driving charges.
After taking a prescription
A drug does not need to be completely illegal to be unsafe to use when driving. Many prescription medications cause drowsiness or delayed reaction times. Any medication labeled with warnings about driving or operating heavy machinery could provide the basis for a drug driving charge.
The legality of the substance does not protect the motorist from prosecution. They face the same charges and potential penalties as people accused of drugged driving due to the consumption of illicit substances.
Depending on the details of a particular situation, there could potentially be several ways for people to fight drugged driving charges. Reviewing the state’s case with a defense attorney can help those accused of impaired driving respond appropriately to those allegations.