How a particular narcotic affects a body depends on dosage, the person who's consumed it, and how long it's been in your system. Each drug, whether illicit or medicinal, brings with it some impairment. Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and can be fatal either for the one on the drugs or other drivers on the road. 

However, many people believe that since drug impairment isn't as easy to detect or diagnose as alcohol impairment, driving while high carries less risk of punishment if the police pull you over. This simply isn't true. 

Let's bust some common drug driving myths and then get into how different drugs can impair you. 

Myth #1: Driving while stoned is safer than driving drunk

False. THC affects people differently, and it can stay in some people's systems long after the high wears off. Right now, there's no standardised way to measure how impaired a stoned person is— but a roadside test can determine whether or not there's THC in your system. Being stoned can and will impact your impairment, reaction time, and motor skills. 

Myth #2 - The police need to prove I'm high before charging me with an offense

False. If the police can tell that you're under the influence by judging your speech, the size of your pupils, or your behavior, they can and will conduct a sobriety test. If they feel you're high, they will take you to the police station, where you'll be subject to a more accurate test - usually a blood test. If you fail, you'll be charged with driving under the influence. 

Myth #3 - It's okay to drive after cocaine because it makes me more awake

False. Cocaine alertness is short-lived. Even so, coke impairs your decision-making, and you need all your wits about you when behind the wheel. 

Myth #4 - MDMA improves my confidence on the roads

False. You're not confident, you only think you're confident, and when this perception is challenged, it can lead to anxiety and a loss of concentration. 

Myth #5 - You'll be in less trouble for driving while high than you would for driving while drunk.

False. Driving under the influence doesn't just mean the influence of alcohol. In the U.K and USA, a drug driving conviction is a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months prison time, and a permanent criminal record. 

Additionally, car insurance costs will significantly increase, your drug driving conviction will stay on your licence for up to 11 years, and you may have a lot of trouble getting visas to travel to other countries. 

What about prescription medication?

If a legal drug impairs your ability to drive, then it's illegal to drive while under the influence of the medication. When prescribed medication by a doctor, it's essential to inquire whether you can drive while taking them. 

Commonly prescribed drugs that impair your ability to drive include:

  • Diazepam 

 

  • Methadone

 

  • Lorazepam 

 

  • Temazepam 

 

  • Clonazepam

 

  • Flunitrazepam

 

  • Amphetamines like selegiline or dexamphetamine 

 

  • Morphine or opiate-based drugs like tramadol or codeine  

If you're found with elevated levels of these drugs in your system while driving, you will face similar penalties as you would if caught with illegal substances. 

Other drugs that can and will impair your ability to drive 

Above cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and prescription drugs, the following drugs will impact your driving. 

Ketamine and PCP

These are dissociative drugs that can cause hallucinations, confusion, memory impairment, and panic attacks—all potentially fatal side effects when behind the wheel. 

LSD and Mushrooms

Hallucinogenic drugs can speed or slow down time and movement, as well as warp reality with hallucinations. This will make the speed and distance of other vehicles difficult to judge and affect the way the driver sees road signs and hazards. 

Speed and Crystal Meth 

Amphetamines and methamphetamines can make users feel far more awake, energetic, and reckless. They can cause drivers to behave carelessly without care for speed or other road users. Constant use of meth or speed means 0 sleep, so even coming down can be as dangerous as being high while driving. 

Heroin and Opium 

The sedative effects of both mean dramatically reduced reaction times and loss of coordination. Other side effects include nausea, blurry vision, and drowsiness. All things you shouldn't be feeling while behind the wheel! 

Staying safe 

The perils of drunk driving are well known and documented, but driving while high is just as dangerous. The unpredictability of a high means getting behind the wheel, no matter how strong your tolerance is, should be avoided at all costs. 

Call a cab, hop on the bus, or better yet - stay put!