Posted on Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 at 12:18 am
A news story in The Sacramento Bee discusses the state’s new campaign to address DUIs. Last month, Californians passed Proposition 64 that legalized marijuana for personal recreational use. Therefore, the state’s annual message regarding the dangers of drunk driving included stern warnings of the dangers of buzzed driving.
Rhonda Craft, California traffic safety director, said, “The use of prescription medications and marijuana is becoming increasingly prominent among drivers and is creating more safety concerns.” In an attempt to warn drivers of the potential hazards of driving while impaired by marijuana and prescription drugs, the California Office of Traffic Safety has prepared two new ads aimed at educating the public.
- DUI Joint 2016 is available on YouTube and warns the public that “DUI doesn’t just mean booze.”
- DUI Prescription Drugs 2016 is also available on YouTube and issues the same warning about driving under the influence means more than just drunk driving.
Stoned Driving Is Illegal
Nate Bradley, a former Wheatland police officer and currently the executive director of the California Cannabis Industry Association, told reporters, “Stoned driving is still impaired driving. And driving after smoking a joint is still illegal.” Proposition 64, which allows a person to have up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use, leaves law enforcement officers with the question of how to determine if a driver is impaired by marijuana.
Earlier this year, The Sacramento Bee published a story about what stoned driving may look like and the steps California might take to enforce drugged driving laws. Recently, Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) introduced new legislation that, if passed, would give law enforcement the ability to conduct roadside drug tests of drivers who are pulled over for driving under the influence.
Assemblyman Lackey believes this is necessary in light of studies that show states with legalized recreational marijuana have problems with drugged driving. In support of his proposal, Lackey said, “California cannot wait any longer to take meaningful action against drugged driving now that voters have passed Proposition 64. Using new technology to identify and get stoned drivers off the road is something we need to embrace.” Assembly Bill 6 should be put to a vote in early 2017.
Stoned Driving Accidents
Thousands of people are injured in stoned driving accidents in America each year. Stoned driving accidents can be just as fatal and serious as any other impaired driving accidents. In many cases, it is the occupants of the other vehicles that sustain traumatic and fatal injuries when a person decides to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after using marijuana. These victims have a legal right to seek compensation for damages when they are injured in a stoned driving accident.
Call A Sacramento Stoned Driving Accident Attorney for Help
If a stoned driver has injured you, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your lost wages, property damage, medical bills, emotional suffering, and physical pain. Don’t rely on law enforcement officers to prove that the driver caused the accident because he or she was stoned. Contact a Sacramento stoned driver accident attorney to protect your rights.
Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website 24/7 to get more information about stoned driving accidents. Request a free legal consultation with a Sacramento attorney now to learn about your legal options.
