Prescription drugs contributing to roadway deaths

By Sheriff David M. Groves

Sheriff David Groves

Returning from a meeting a few years ago, I decided to take the scenic route to enjoy a leisurely drive back to the office on some of our back roads. The only vehicle I encountered was a motorcycle, which I noticed wobbling as it approached me. 

Moments later, the motorcycle left the pavement and crossed a grassy ditch, throwing the operator to the side of the road. I immediately requested dispatch send emergency medical and rescue personnel to the scene as I assessed the rider, who ultimately died there on the side of the road. 

It was later determined prescription drugs contributed to the crash and death of the rider, who was someone I had known for years.

Although the situation I experienced involved an impaired operator leaving the road and entering a ditch, the operator could have just as easily crossed the center line striking an oncoming vehicle, having a life-long impact on an innocent driver.

Driving under the influence of prescription drugs continues to pose a significant threat to those traveling our roadways. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports prescription drugs are the most prevalent of all drugs found in drugged drivers involved in fatal crashes at 46.5%, and that percentage has continually increased since 2005.

Alarmingly, but not surprisingly, teens new to driving are also getting behind the wheel impaired by prescription drugs, which they often obtain from family or friends, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

As community safety leaders, it’s not only critical to recognize the issue of prescription impaired driving for the seriousness it is, but to also take steps to keep our roadways and citizens safe.

When given the opportunity to visit with high school students about the dangers of drugs, it’s important not to solely focus on street drugs like meth and heroin, but because of the ease in obtaining prescription drugs, to also stress the dangers of abusing them and sharing with friends.

Additionally, because this life altering public safety issue significantly impacts those in our community, law enforcement leaders can take advantage of the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Training Program coordinated by the Kansas Highway Patrol.  Although the training requires a commitment on the part of both the administration and the officer seeking certification, the benefits to the citizenry and motoring public are worth the investment. 

If staff shortages create a hurdle in having a DRE on your agency’s team, hosting Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Training will significantly boost the ability for officers to recognize and handle drug impaired drivers when they encounter them on the side of the road.

Finally, because in most parts of the state DRE’s are scarce - especially for small and rural agencies - I encourage law enforcement administrators with DRE’s on their team to capitalize on already existing partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions and offer up their DRE’s assistance when able to do so.

David Groves is the Sheriff in Cherokee County