Risky Driving

Many substances can impair driving, including alcohol, some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and illegal drugs.

Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs impair the ability to drive because they slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times.


Using two or more drugs at the same time, including alcohol, can amplify the impairing effects of each drug a person has consumed.


Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. Read and follow all warning labels before driving, and note that warnings against “operating heavy machinery” include driving a vehicle.


Impaired drivers can’t accurately assess their own impairment – which is why no one should drive after using any impairing substances.

Remember: If you feel different, you drive different.

 

Older Drivers

Between 2008 and 2017, the number of older people in United States increased by 31% while the total population of all ages increased by 7%.

6,784 people 65 and older were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017 - a decrease of 1% in the number of fatalities in this group from 2016 (6,846), making up 18% of all traffic fatalities (compared to 2016).

These resources will provide help for those who need to have conversations with older drivers about their driving abilities.

 


 This information was provided by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.