Long Island and Suffolk County have seen a steady rise in fatal accidents and drug abuse over the past five years. The most common drug overdoses treated in Long Island emergency rooms involve oxycodone, methadone and hydrocodone.
Are Pot-Smoking Long Island Drivers Less Likely to Cause Accidents Than Opioid Users?
Different drugs affect drivers quite differently. For example, someone high on marijuana may have slower reaction time, impaired sense of distance and time and reduced coordination. Opioids such as prescription pain pills and heroin exert can have side effects similar to marijuana, and also increase drowsiness and sleepiness. Alternately, stimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine and Adderall can make drivers operate vehicles aggressively and recklessly. They may be more prone to initiating road rage incidents, tailgating other drivers and exceeding the speed limit.What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Encountering Drugged Drivers in Long Island?
Certain driving behaviors can indicate someone is driving while impaired, whether they are drugged, drunk or suffering a medical emergency. Some behaviors to be on the lookout for while driving around Long Island include:- Speeding
- Speeding, slowing down, speeding up again
- Driving too slow in interstate fast lanes
- Running over curbs
- Straddling lane lines/driving over center lines
- Running stop signs or stopping too far behind stop signs/signals
- Turning on the right turn signal and making a left turn (or vice versa)
- Driving after dark without lights