Pennsylvania transit authority making efforts to curtail DUIs

By Staff Writer

In an effort to prevent motorists from driving while under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter medication, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police are launching a campaign. PennDOT will work with state and municipal police departments throughout the week before Halloween to step up impaired-driving enforcement, with increased emphasis on driving under the influence of drugs.

"Many of us don't realize the serious side effects of medications that some people take every day," said PennDOT secretary Allen D. Biehler. "The combination of cold medicine and alcohol or choosing to take an extra painkiller could have potentially devastating effects if you get behind the wheel."

PennDOT data reveals that crashes involving drivers suspected of drug use – legal or illegal – are increasing. Last year, there were 451 crashes and 25 fatalities that involved drivers who were suspected of being impaired by any type of drug, which is up from 381 crashes and 21 fatalities in 2008. Crashes involving legal drug use have climbed from 74 in 2008 to 110 in 2009.

Some of the prescribed drugs that are most commonly encountered during Drug Recognition Expert evaluations include Xanax, Klonopin, Oxycontin and Vicodin.