You may not know this, but the number one cause of car accident crashes, injuries, and deaths in the state of Nevada is impaired driving. To try to eliminate these preventable accidents and fatalities, each year this issue comes to light as the White House has named December National Impaired Driving Month. To help raise awareness, a general discussion of impaired driving will occur below as well as tips to help prevent driving under the influence.
Impaired Driving
It may be common knowledge that impaired drivers are dangerous. But what, exactly, qualifies as being “impaired”? In reality, a driver can become impaired by a number of substances including alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, and even lack of sleep. According to Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484C.105, “under the influence” occurs when someone is impaired to the degree that it renders him or her unable to safely drive or exercise his or her physical control over a vehicle.
Alcohol Consumption
When it comes to alcohol consumption, Nevada law prohibits drivers from getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If the driver is operating a commercial vehicle, the BAC limit under state law drops to 0.04. Moreover, drivers under 21 years of age are held to an even stricter standard than commercial drivers. It is against the law for drivers under 21 years of age under NRS 483.462 to drive with a BAC of 0.02 or above. There is no question that alcohol reduces the essential skills to drive safely including vision, judgment, reaction time, and color distinction.
Illegal Substances
In addition to alcohol, it is against Nevada law for individuals to drive under the influence of illegal substances. These prohibited substances under state law include cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, marijuana, and phencyclidine, among others. These illicit substances impact safe driving by causing impaired judgment of distances, slower reaction time, impaired lane tracking, decreased coordination, impaired motor skills, decreased decision-making, and affected cognitive function.
Prescribed Medication
But even legal drugs — namely prescription medication — can impair a driver’s abilities behind the wheel. If you are taking prescribed medication, you should make sure that you understand how they can impact your ability to drive and if you are unsure contact your doctor right away. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) reports that the following medications may cause operating a motor vehicle unsafe opioid painkillers, anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, medications containing codeine, some allergy and cold remedy products, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, and others.
Experienced Las Vegas Attorneys
Hopefully this discussion has helped you to better understand the risks of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada due to an impaired driver, contact the attorneys at H&P Law.
