Car Accidents Increase Due to Opioid Use

Many are not surprised when they hear reports that opioid use is on the rise. The government has been very clear that we are battling a war on drugs in all states, including New Jersey. However, people may not realize how closely related prescription opioid use is with car crash fatality statistics. A recent study pointed out that the correlation should be enough to give everyone pause and encourage those whose relatives have been killed by opioid-use or abusing drivers to seek out the help of car accident lawyers.

The JAMA Network recently published findings related to prescribed opioids and their potential link to fatal car accidents across the United States. Specifically, the researchers who investigated fatal accidents, spanning a 25-year period, discovered an increase of opioids in their bloodstreams. According to the evidence, the drivers had likely taken opioids before getting behind the wheel. This conclusion provides greater evidence that opioid use can have far-reaching repercussions. When mixed with driving, prescription opioids can turn a trip down the road into a fatal experience.

Why Opioids Affect Driving

Opioids have side effects that disrupt a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Critical symptoms of taking opioids include:

• Alert times that are comparable to having a blood alcohol content of roughly 0.05 percent.
• Intense drowsiness, to the point of nodding off during regular activities, such as driving.
• Problems with concentration and memory, leading to distracted driving for mental reasons.
• Difficulty staying asleep, which can lead to driving while drowsy.

Is Law Enforcement Checking for Opioid Use in Drivers?

Unlike blood alcohol content testing, testing for opioids in the bloodstream is more difficult and costly. For these reasons, states are exploring the best ways to get drivers who are under the influence of prescription opioids off the roads. Advocates hope that our society will become more aware of the problems related to driving on opioids.

Camden Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Fight for Victims of Drugged Driving Accidents

If you or someone you know was involved in an accident with a drugged driver, the Camden car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law can help. Call us today at 856-414-0010 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are ready to hear your case and help you determine if you may be entitled to damages. Located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Mt. Holly, Camden County, and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.