Prescription Abuse: Baby Boomers DUI of Drugs(Driving Under the Influence of Drugs)
A new study released from the Public Health Report shows that since 1993, the types of drivers who commit DUID – Driving Under the Influence of Drugs – has increased significantly. Baby Boomers DUI of Drugs are huge offenders.
Drivers that commit DUID are more likely to be 50 and older, according to the study, and are most likely to test positive for either prescription drugs or marijuana.
“While we’ve seen a decrease over the years in motor vehicle fatalities involving people under the influence, the nature of those crashes is changing,” said study author Fernando Wilson, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The study, funded by the Public Health Law Research Program, examined the characteristics of drivers who committed DUID, from 1993 to 2010. In that time, the percentage of drivers committing DUID with three or more drugs in their systems nearly doubled, from 11.5% to 21.5%.
“In 1993, about 1 in 8 drivers were using multiple drugs concurrently. By 2010, it was closer to 1 in 5. That’s a large increase in drug use,” Wilson said.
“Beyond that, we’re also seeing more and more people using drugs and alcohol together. About 70 percent of drivers who tested positive for cocaine had also been consuming alcohol, and almost 55 percent of drivers who tested positive for cannabis also had alcohol in their systems,” he explained.
The study also noted that 39% of prescription drug DUIDs involved drivers 50 years of age or older; in contrast, 60% of the marijuana-only DUID drivers were 30 or younger.
Prescription Abuse: Baby Boomers DUI of Drugs
Prescription drugs are being prescribed more often for more illnesses or injuries, according to recent statistics, and many believe that this increase has created an epidemic of painkiller addicts, who are more often now switching to heroin when their prescription drug sources run dry. Many new prescription drug addicts are older because painkillers and other potent drugs are commonly prescribed to this age group.
“These trends are likely to continue given the aging U.S. population, an increasing reliance on prescription medications by medical providers, and increasing initiatives to legalize marijuana,” Wilson said. “However, it is unclear whether current state policies are completely up to the challenge of addressing the growing issue of drugged driving.”
According to the study, 90% of people aged 65 and older have prescriptions for potent drugs like narcotic painkillers.
Currently, 18 states have a “zero-tolerance” policy for DUID crimes.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Baby Boomers DUI of Drugs-Driving
In South Carolina, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs or medication in addition to driving while under the influence of illicit drugs. You face serious consequences any time you are arrested with driving under the influence of drugs. A conviction will not only result in significant penalties but will severely impact your ability to carry on a normal life. Not only will your ability to drive be restricted, but being convicted of a felony DUI will follow you for the rest of your life, making it harder to find a job or even rent an apartment. You need to speak to a local criminal defense lawyer as soon as you’re charged with any DUI crime. Your ability to defend yourself against the charges against you will depend on receiving advice from an attorney who is knowledgeable about the DUI laws of South Carolina, as well as from one who has experience dealing with area police, prosecutors, and courts. You should speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately after you’re arrested or charged, as any delay could damage your case and make it harder to protect your rights. For now, DUID lawyers may have more opportunities for reducing and expunging driving under the influence of drug charges. Note: A DUID that involved illicit drugs may have other criminal drug charges attached.
If you face DUI charges, BUI charges, or DUID charges, whether it is your first charge or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you have received DUI charges does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped Baby Boomers DUI of Drugs-Driving since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
