Bill looks to add 'driving impaired on meds', other drugs to DUII
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- State lawmakers are working to expand the definition of drunken driving in Oregon to include other intoxicants like prescription drugs and synthetic substances that mimic drugs.
If passed, a bill currently circulating around in legislature would add prescription medications and other drugs that affect a driver's mental or physical faculties to DUII.
Currently "intoxicants" cover only alcohol, controlled substances and inhalants.
Sgt. Jeff Eichenbusch at the Roseburg Police Department said that there are many people that still drive, even inf their medication impairs their driving ability.
“A lot of people don't understand. They'll take a medication that's been prescribed to them and they'll think they're just fine,” said Sgt. Eichenbusch. “They don't realize there's actually an impairment there.”
Sgt. Eichenbusch also said that some people are not aware they are swerving or driving slowly due to their medications.
If the expansion bill passes, drivers who claim to be reacting adversely to medication would be required to provide medical records to the prosecutor.
Don't be stupid, I met a lady who had gotten a DUII while under the influence of her prescribed muscle relaxers, Somas. The judge gave her different stipulations of the diversion program and was only required to attend five classes versus the typical three month program. She was in complete denial that she had done anything wrong, despite the fact that her medication clearly stated DO NOT OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY. She should have had to do the full diversion program, she knew it was dangerous and that they could cause muscle spasms, drowsiness, blurred vision, etc. Too many people on too many medications in this Prozac nation, do you really think this is a bad idea? No, it's not.
this is going to far
Many blood pressure meds 'may' cause 'some' people problems so would this bill indite 'everyone' on blood pressure meds?
next high on life will get you a duii, man the goodie 2 shoes of the world just have too much time on thier hands...