Driving On Drugs

What type of drugs can give rise to a charge of driving under the influence?

Initially a substance was said to be a drug if it was a medicine taken into the body, that was capable of affecting the control of the human body.

The law now states that a "drug" includes any intoxicant other than alcohol. An intoxicant is something that can affect the users central nervous system and self-control.

Accordingly a charge of driving under the influence of drugs can be based upon an illegal prohibited drug such as cannabis as equally as it can apply to legal drugs such as diazepam which is often prescribed as an anti-depressant.

Legal prescription drugs that can give rise to a charge of driving under the influence of drugs, these include: -

• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Lorazepam
• Morphine
• Oxazepam
• Rohypnol
• Temazepam
• Valium

Most of these drugs treat anxiety and insomnia.

Below is a list of some other drugs that can give rise to a charge of driving under the influence along with their potential affects on driving.

Cocaine

Cocaine induces happiness, decreases fatigue and gives a feeling of energy. Large does can induce sleeplessness, tremors, excessive self-confidence, feelings of invincibility and hallucinations. The effects are normally followed by the "comedown" effects including depression, anxiety, loss of concentration, slowed reaction times and sedation. Both phases of cocaine use can impair driving ability.

Cannabis

The effects of cannabis can last a few hours. Individuals under the influence of cannabis are unlikely to drive excessively fast or take more risks than usual, but factors such as attention, judgement and reaction times appear to be affected. Therefore whilst under normal conditions a driver under the influence of cannabis might be able to drive without losing control of the vehicle, they maybe less able to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected or unusual events.

Heroin/Morphine

Heroin and morphine can cause effects such as slowed reactions, drowsiness and loss of attention, all of which can impair ability to drive. Furthermore these symptoms can persist for longer than the euphoria and "high" and therefore driving may still be affected even after the user believes they are no longer under the influences of the drug.

Diazepam

Diazepam can affect attention, reaction times and co-ordination, all of which will impair driving ability. In particular studies have found that drivers using diazepam perform poorly in terms of visual perception and anticipation of road hazards and are more likely to have poor lane discipline. Diazepam is a long-lasting drug and its effects can linger for many hours.

MDMA (ecstasy) and Mephedrone (Meow-meow or MCAT)

The effects of mephedrone are reported to be similar to those of MDMA including euphoria, heightened awareness of senses and surroundings, excitement, increased sociability and alertness. The drug is commonly taken with alcohol and other psychoactive drugs following which the effects are less predictable.

Amphetamine

Amphetamine causes increased confidence, talkativeness and excitement. When the stimulant effect has worn off, comedown effects include extreme fatigue and drowsiness followed by prolonged but disturbed sleep. Irritability, lethargy and moderate depression may be felt. Both the stimulant and comedown effects can affect driving ability.

List was created with the assistance of our associates at Keith Borer Consultants

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