According to the federal National Traffic Safety Administration, many drivers who are pulled over by Oklahoma authorities are actually under the influence of drugs rather than alcohol. However, those drugs are not all illegal, as some may be prescriptions. Nevertheless, being under the influence of any type of drugs poses a danger to all road users. Thus the following includes further information on this often overlooked issue.
Drug impaired driving
Most people are familiar with the term DUI and will usually pair it with alcohol. The fact is that a DUI can include being under the influence of drugs. The issue here is that, unlike alcohol, there is no standard as to what it means to be under the influence of drugs as they affect everyone differently. Because of this, police officers are entrusted to decide whether a person is deemed safe to drive or needs to be taken into custody.
DRE experts
Departments with larger budgets may have what is called a DRE or Drug Recognition Examiner. This person is called to a scene where a DUI involving drugs may be suspected. However, even these experts often make mistakes, and thus innocent drivers are arrested for no reason.
How drivers can lower the risk of being pulled over and arrested
If you are taking prescription medicine and are afraid of being pulled over, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the chances of being stopped. The first thing you should do is keep your vehicle in working condition as a faulty taillight, for example, catches the attention of police officers. Another is to avoid driving late at night as much as possible. Of course, if you feel like your medication is affecting you more than usual, do not get behind the wheel and instead ask for a ride.