Alcohol is the main reason for most impaired driving charges. The police can typically arrest someone if there is evidence that they have consumed enough alcohol to impair their ability to drive a vehicle safely. In many cases, though not all, this means they have exceeded the legal limit of 0.08% in terms of their blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
But it is also important for drivers to remember that these types of charges do not always involve alcohol. Someone could be charged with impaired driving for a variety of reasons, so it is not just the consumption of alcohol that drivers should avoid. Below are two examples.
Illegal drugs
First of all, anyone who is using an illegal drug could face charges. This could include the use of drugs like cocaine, marijuana and much more. Marijuana has been legalized in many places, but not all, and even in locations where it has been decriminalized, driving under the influence is still illegal.
Prescription drugs
Another potential issue is when people are taking prescription drugs. They often overlook this because they know that the drugs are legal for them to purchase and use, as they have a valid prescription from their doctor and they got that prescription filled at a pharmacy. But in many cases, these drugs will come with warnings not to drive or operate heavy machinery after using them. Just because the initial use of the substance was legal does not mean that someone can safely get behind the wheel.
Defense options
Have you been accused of impaired driving for any of these reasons? If so, you need to know about all of your legal defense options at this time.