U.S. Surveys reveal more drivers under the influence of drugs rather than alcohol

A government survey from Monday found that the number of drunken drivers has fallen during the past 30 years accompanied by stricter laws, increased law enforcement and a change in public stance on alcohol.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s roadside survey found that 2.2 percent of drivers had blood-alcohol levels of 0.08 or higher in 2007.  This is a decline from studies in 1973 where 7.5 percent of the drivers were legally intoxicated.  

In another government analysis reports that for the first time 16.3 percent of nighttime weekend drivers tested positive for drugs.  Researchers said the existence of drugs can remain in a driver’s system for weeks; this makes it difficult to know if drivers are actually impaired.

The most commonly detected drugs were: marijuana 8.3% and cocaine 3.9%.

The survey examined weekend nighttime drivers by collecting breath samples to determine blood-alcohol concentration and collecting saliva and blood samples to establish if a driver has used potentially impairing drugs.