Safety Center DUI/Alcohol & Drug Services

Q: Is DUI just drunk driving/driving after drinking alcohol?

A: The number of people getting DUI’s on drugs has been on the rise.

According to the California DMV 2010 Drivers Handbook, much of what has been said about alcohol also applies to drugs:

California’s drunk driving law is also a drug driving law. It refers to “driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.”

The use of any drug (the law does not distinguish between prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs) which impairs your ability to drive safely is illegal.

• Most drugs taken for colds, hay fever, allergy, or to calm nerves or muscles can make a person drowsy.

• Medicines taken together, or used with alcohol can be dangerous. Many drugs have unexpected side effects when taken with alcohol.

• Pep pills, “uppers,” and diet pills can make a driver more alert for a short time. Later, however, they can cause a person to be nervous, dizzy, and not able to concentrate. They can also affect vision. 

75% of DUI arrests in 2008 resulted in a Conviction.
(DMV Statistics on the web)

Related Links:
www.dmv.ca.gov
www.adp.cahwnet.gov

For additional information:
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1. Luky

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