Of all the stories we share over the holidays, there is one we need to retire, and it has nothing to do with reindeers or elves.
Every holiday season, millions of our fellow Americans tell themselves they are fine to drive after using cannabis or a prescription drug. The story they tell themselves goes like this: Cannabis is a safe, natural product; prescription drugs are also safe or doctors would not prescribe them; and driving under the influence only applies to alcohol — you can’t be convicted of DUI unless you have been drinking. That story is wrong.
As San Diego city attorney, our office aggressively prosecutes people driving under the influence of drugs, often in combination with alcohol. The reason is simple: Almost half of all injury accidents in California involve drivers who used legal or illegal drugs. On some holidays, one in every four drivers on the road is impaired. Most have been drinking and often have both alcohol and drugs in their system. The most detected drug, other than alcohol, is cannabis, which people use more frequently and less cautiously since it became legal.
San Diegans need to know that people using cannabis are more likely to be involved in crashes. Alcohol, which is a depressant, slows normal brain functions and impairs hand-eye coordination. Cannabis alters perception. The THC in cannabis impairs psychomotor skills, impedes the ability to multitask, disrupts lane tracking and cognitive functions, divides a driver’s attention, delays the ability to react and may increase risk-taking behavior like speeding.
Combining alcohol and cannabis can heighten the effects of both on the body and brain.
The misuse of prescription drugs and illegal drugs — often in combination with alcohol — is equally dangerous. Many of these medications cause drowsiness, and some can lead to aggressive driving. All can affect your reactions, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Our office has seen a significant increase in drugged-driving cases involving the anti-anxiety drug alprazolam (sold under the brand name Xanax). This prescription drug can be used to treat depression and panic disorder, but it can also cause dizziness or drowsiness — effects that can be exacerbated by alcohol.
It is especially important for San Diegans to hear this message now, since the holiday season has begun. Psychologists say 38 percent of people suffer from increased stress over the holidays, which can lead to depression, anxiety and substance misuse. The average American drinks 27 percent more during the holidays compared with the rest of the year.
Misconceptions about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs and illegal drugs can prove deadly.
As a community, we owe it to ourselves to recognize the dangers of drunk and drugged driving to keep one another safe. Anyone inebriated can have a designated driver, take public transportation or use a ride-share app to travel safely.
So remember:
• Don’t mix alcohol and drugs. If you do, don’t drive. The use of cannabis and other drugs in combination with alcohol makes driving even riskier than using either drug by itself.
• Many prescription drugs — particularly those with a warning to refrain from operating machinery — can have a huge impact on your ability to operate a 2-ton automobile.
• Even without alcohol, the use of cannabis or prescription drugs can lead to a DUI arrest.
• The city attorney’s office holds dangerous drivers accountable. You can lose your license, possibly go to jail and spend thousands of dollars on your defense and fines.
The holidays can be stressful, but they can also be joyous. As a mother, there is no greater joy than having my family together to celebrate each important milestone. I hope your holiday season is filled with love and good moments you can remember for years to come.
Please share the facts on driving, drinking and drug use with your loved ones. Through education, we can keep our entire community safe.
Mara Elliott is the city attorney of San Diego. ◆
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