Drugged driving report shows high toll among young

(CBS) Drunk driving may get more attention, but driving while drugged also takes an enormous toll in the U.S. That’s the word from the nation’s drug czar, who along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving today launched a public awareness campaign to draw attention to drugged driving.

“Research shows that drugs have adverse effects on judgment, reaction time, and motor skills – all vital requirements for responsible driving,” Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy, said in a written statement.

Maybe that’s stating the obvious. But a new report Kerlihowske pointed to includes a stark and surprising fact: In 2009, 3,952 drivers fatally injured in car crashes tested positive for drugs. That represents 18 percent of all fatally injured drivers.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20119985-10391704.html