More DWI offenders using prescription, illegal drugs in Texas

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 11-Feb-2013

More drunk driving arrests are being attributed to drivers having illegal or prescription drugs in their system in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety said that there has been a significant increase in DWI cases where drivers have prescription or illegal drugs in their system.

Law enforcement officials said that no refusal DWI operations have lead to more DWI blood tests in Texas. They also attributed the increase in drug use found in DWI cases due to the new tests available to test for alcohol and drugs, both illegal and prescription.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said that in 2010 there were roughly 6,000 DWI cases involving drugs. In 2012, over 7,000 cases were reported.

Some of the increase in DWI cases involving drug use has been attributed to drivers using illegal drugs. Law enforcement does not keep track of what drugs individuals test positive for during a DWI arrest. They did note that it wasn't just one type of drug commonly seen in DWI cases and that many different types of drug offenders were being arrested for DWI.

Law enforcement officials said that it is not just drug offenders who are being arrested for DWI in Texas. They reported that many of these drivers are people who use prescription medication to help with chronic conditions and that many may not be aware of their impairment.

Health experts say that many people who are prescribed pain medicine become addicted to the drug and continue using the pain medication after their doctor stops prescribing it. Because a doctor is no longer regulating the dose or type of prescription drug, individuals may take more than they used to but think they are still able to safely drive.

Driving under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Texas law enforcement said they will continue to crackdown on DWI offenders to keep Texas roads safe.

DWI charges are very serious in Texas. DWI cases can become worse if an individual is caught possessing an illegal substance in addition to driving while impaired. Drivers who are facing a DWI should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss their case and protect their rights.

Source: KXAN, "DWI tests turning up more than alcohol," Robert Maxwell, Feb. 5, 2013