Alcohol is certainly the most common cause of impaired driving arrests. It is also one of the most widely used substances in the United States. This is why the law has established blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and breath tests to measure alcohol-related impairment.
However, it is important for all drivers to remember that alcohol is not the only basis for impaired driving charges. Even someone who has never consumed alcohol could still be arrested for impaired driving. Below are three important points to keep in mind.
Prescription medications
Many prescription medications include instructions warning users not to operate heavy machinery. This does not just apply to construction equipment or similar machinery. For most people, it also includes driving a car. Operating a vehicle while taking certain medications can be dangerous and may lead to impaired driving charges.
Illegal drugs
Naturally, driving under the influence of illegal drugs is also prohibited, even though these substances are not detected through a breath test. Examples include methamphetamine or cocaine. Law enforcement officers can still observe signs of impairment and may conduct additional testing.
Compounding effects
It is also important to remember that some substances interact strongly with alcohol. This can lead to impairment even if the person only consumed a small amount of alcohol. For example, someone taking certain prescription medications who also has a single drink at dinner could be far more impaired than expected.
Defense options
All of these situations can result in arrest and serious criminal charges. If you find yourself facing impaired driving allegations, it is important to understand all of the criminal defense options available to you.