Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in California

The only safe bet for driving is staying clear of drugs that change the way your mind works. Alcohol is not the only intoxicating substance the laws in California prohibit for drivers. Drug use, most importantly by those dependent on a drug for their steady condition, also causes many accidents, including fatalities.

A Clear Head Is Always Right

A trusted driver always has a clear head. Ruling every action with reliable control works only when the driver has full thinking. Judgment stays good, with no dips in concentration and no confusion of focus. Any needed responses to the traffic and pedestrians surrounding the car are ready and sound.

Drugs Counteract Driving Ability

Drugs make your awareness and decision making drop. Opiates, like codeine that soothes the alertness system, can keep responses limited during travels, making a driver susceptible to quick changes in traffic conditions. The guard against accidents fails. California's legislators believe in vigilant drivers. The laws against driving under the influence of drugs in the state's vehicle code keep rash citizens who find pleasure more important than safety off the road.

No Injury Risk Allowed

A pure dedication to clean driving is all the laws in California allow. Even light use of drugs, if taken at a time near the drive time, can result in lost driving privileges. Addicts must always avoid driving when they have decided to indulge in drug use. The law specifically condemns their driving while under the influence. One incident, when caught by highway enforcement officers, is enough for a suspension. If a driver speeds or fails to follow road signs while intoxicated, and a citizen is injured, the serious of the violation is much greater.

The California Highway Patrol has a force of officers dedicated to enforcing the laws against driving with a drug intoxication. The state trains officers how to detect drug influences. Regular patrol of the erratic or slow and unresponsive driving, and checkpoints, catch the intoxicated drivers.

The first blood test is a request that can not be refused. Any driver that used drugs before they got into a car and then turned onto the road needs a drug test. If they refuse the test, the state imposes a 1 year suspension for the first time. The second time the penalty is a 2 year revocation, and the third, 3 years.

Drunkenness with drug intoxication can overcome even a strong driver's defenses. The law lists this event as a safety violation. Anyone stopped on the road in this condition will definitely have to undergo a blood test.

Indulging in drug use leaves a driver with abilities too insufficient to be trusted. The rule against intoxicated driving is rudimentary. The first occurrence puts any citizen in jeopardy of being caught. Ay reoccurrence will be duly taken care of.

Sources:

California Vehicle Code Section 23152-23229.1
California Highway Patrol Impaired Driving Enforcement Programs