Be Drug Aware - Arrive Alive DE
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Drugs and driving don’t mix.

Like alcohol, drugs can significantly impact your abilities behind the wheel. Get to know the facts and we'll all be safer on the road.

Be Drug Aware.

THE MANY FACES OF DRUGGED DRIVING

Drugs alter your mental and physical states, and often impair your driving. Be aware of the effects of the drugs you take because impairment can happen to anyone – and quicker than you think.

Click on the tiles to learn how different substances can cause impairment.

While medical marijuana is legal in Delaware, recreational marijuana does not become legal until retail dispensaries have been established, likely in spring 2025.

– State of Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner

Ate a gummy, didn’t feel it. Ate another.

Cannabis edibles, like gummies and brownies, can take up to a couple of hours to affect you. So don’t expect to have immediate altered physical and mental states – and don’t drive.

Took my prescribed pain meds.

Be careful with your medications and driving. Even if your impairment is the result of a legally prescribed drug, you could still get a DUI. Read and follow the label warnings.

Took a pill at a party.

Using an unknown drug is especially dangerous now that fentanyl is being mixed into so many illicit drugs – with a potency 50 times stronger than heroin. Never take a mystery drug. And don’t drive.

Took some cough medicine.

Even over-the-counter drugs, such as cold and allergy medicines, can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Remember, when the label says “don’t operate heavy machinery,” that means your car!

Mixed a couple of different drugs.

Using two or more drugs at the same time can amplify the impairing effects of each drug and significantly increase the risk of a crash. Don’t mix drugs and drive.

Smoked marijuana for the first time in years.

Marijuana is much stronger today, with average potencies of 20% to 30% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to 4% in the 1980s. Always be aware of what you are smoking and don’t drive high. 

Tried some new weed.

There are many strains 
of marijuana, each having slightly different effects 
on the body, and impacting people in different ways. Be drug aware and make sure you plan a sober ride home. 

Vaped on the weekend.

Vaping cannabis has a more potent effect than smoking it. That’s because you’re consuming concentrated cannabis, which enters your bloodstream faster, makes you higher and further degrades your cognitive and motor skills.

Took my medical cannabis.

Even though it may come as a capsule, a liquid or some other form, medical cannabis can have the same or more impairing effects on your driving 
as recreational cannabis – and lead to a DUI. Plan a sober ride.

Take The KNOW DRUGS Challenge

See how much you know about the ways drugs can impair driving.

1 of 10

Take The KNOW DRUGS Challenge
What percentage of U.S. drivers in serious injury or fatal crashes tested positive for drugs?

Resources

  1. NHTSA, based on studied trauma centers Oct-Dec 2020 https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving
Nationally, alcohol is the drug most often found in impaired drivers. What's second?

Resources

  1. CDC Marijuana Use and Driving, Oct 2021 https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/pdf/MarijuanaFactSheets-Driving-508compliant.pdf
Does marijuana make you a better driver?

Resources

  1. CDC Marijuana Use and Driving, Oct 2021 https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/pdf/MarijuanaFactSheets-Driving-508compliant.pdf
In what ways can marijuana impair your driving skills?

Resources

  1. NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugged Driving DrugFacts, 2019 https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving
What causes the effects of marijuana to vary from driver to driver?

Resources

  1. Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana and Illicit Drugs Among Persons Aged ≥16 Years - United States, 2018, December 20, 2019 / 68(50);1153–1157 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6850a1.htm
Driving under the influence of opioids can increase crash risk by how much?

Resources

  1. NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugged Driving DrugFacts, 2019 https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving
Can you get a DUI for driving under the influence of prescription drugs?

Resources

When drugs and alcohol are mixed, which will impact driving most?

Resources

Which group is most likely to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Resources

  1. NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugged Driving DrugFacts, 2019 https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving
Does the warning “do not operate heavy machinery while taking this medication” apply to cars?

Resources

  1. https://heavymachineryworld.com/are-cars-considered-heavy-machinery/
Take The KNOW DRUGS Challenge

You got 0 out of 10 correct!

Marijuana is the illicit drug most frequently detected in crash victims. Here's why.

THC causes you to be impaired.

Cannabis doesn’t make you a better driver.

High drivers can’t stay in their lanes.

The risks go up with alcohol.

It’s illegal to drive high.

Drug Scanner

Illicit drugs. Prescription drugs. OTC medicines. What do they all have in common? Side effects that can make us unsafe on the road. It’s important to know that no single drug affects everyone alike. Even the same person can have different reactions to a drug at different times.

Use our tool to see how different substances can affect you.

Amphetamines

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Betel nut

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Caffeine

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Cocaine

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Ice

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Khat

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Synthetic cathinones

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Nicotine

Drug Category:

Stimulant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Increased confidence
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sexual arousal
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration

Alcohol

Drug Category:

Depressant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Nausea
  • Confidence
  • Vomiting
  • Dependence
  • Mood swings
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

Benzodiazepines

Drug Category:

Depressant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Nausea
  • Confidence
  • Vomiting
  • Dependence
  • Mood swings
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

GHB

Drug Category:

Depressant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Nausea
  • Confidence
  • Vomiting
  • Dependence
  • Mood swings
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

Kava

Drug Category:

Depressant

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Nausea
  • Confidence
  • Vomiting
  • Dependence
  • Mood swings
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

Buprenorphine

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Codeine

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Fentanyl

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Heroin

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Methadone

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Naltrexone

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Opium

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Oxycodone

Drug Category:

Opioid

General Effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation & well-being
  • Pain relief
  • Impaired concentration
  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Heart & lung problems

Ayahuasca

Drug Category:

Psychedelic

General Effects:

  • Increased body temperature
  • Loss of coordination
  • Hallucinations
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Disorganized thoughts
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Panic
  • Euphoria

LSD

Drug Category:

Psychedelic

General Effects:

  • Increased body temperature
  • Loss of coordination
  • Hallucinations
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Disorganized thoughts
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Panic
  • Euphoria

NBOMes

Drug Category:

Psychedelic

General Effects:

  • Increased body temperature
  • Loss of coordination
  • Hallucinations
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Disorganized thoughts
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Panic
  • Euphoria

Psilocybin

Drug Category:

Psychedelic

General Effects:

  • Increased body temperature
  • Loss of coordination
  • Hallucinations
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Disorganized thoughts
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Panic
  • Euphoria

Synthetic cannabis

Drug Category:

Cannabinoid

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Dry mouth
  • Paranoia
  • Unmotivated
  • Excited
  • Loss of memory
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Relaxed
  • Calm

Medicinal cannabis

Drug Category:

Cannabinoid

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Dry mouth
  • Paranoia
  • Unmotivated
  • Excited
  • Loss of memory
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Relaxed
  • Calm

Cannabis

Drug Category:

Cannabinoid

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Dry mouth
  • Paranoia
  • Unmotivated
  • Excited
  • Loss of memory
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Relaxed
  • Calm

Butane hash oil

Drug Category:

Cannabinoid

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Dry mouth
  • Paranoia
  • Unmotivated
  • Excited
  • Loss of memory
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Relaxed
  • Calm

Nitrous oxide

Drug Category:

Dissociative

General Effects:

  • Hallucinations
  • Panic
  • Disconnected
  • Bladder damage
  • In a “hole”
  • Safe
  • Numb
  • Floaty
  • Euphoria

Ketamine

Drug Category:

Dissociative

General Effects:

  • Hallucinations
  • Panic
  • Disconnected
  • Bladder damage
  • In a “hole”
  • Safe
  • Numb
  • Floaty
  • Euphoria

Methoxetamine (MXE)

Drug Category:

Dissociative

General Effects:

  • Hallucinations
  • Panic
  • Disconnected
  • Bladder damage
  • In a “hole”
  • Safe
  • Numb
  • Floaty
  • Euphoria

PMA/PMMA

Drug Category:

Empathogen

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Sweaty
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Sexual arousal
  • Connected
  • Understanding
  • Sense of belonging

Mephedrone

Drug Category:

Empathogen

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Sweaty
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Sexual arousal
  • Connected
  • Understanding
  • Sense of belonging

MDMA

Drug Category:

Empathogen

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Sweaty
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Sexual arousal
  • Connected
  • Understanding
  • Sense of belonging

Ethylone

Drug Category:

Empathogen

General Effects:

  • Anxious
  • Sweaty
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Sexual arousal
  • Connected
  • Understanding
  • Sense of belonging

What you must know about prescription drugs.

If you’re taking a drug prescribed by your doctor, or an over the counter (OTC) medicine, it is okay to drive?

  • PLEASE USE CAUTION.

    Many drugs affect your ability to drive, even if they are legally obtained prescriptions or commonly used OTC drugs.

  • COMBINATIONS ARE RISKY.

    While some medications may not impair you on their own, they may if combined with another drug or alcohol.

  • COMMON REACTIONS.

    Medications often cause sleepiness, blurred vision, dizziness, slowed movement, fainting and inability to focus or pay attention.

  • BE AWARE.

    Even if your impairment is the result of a prescribed drug, an officer can still charge you with a DUI.

  • READ YOUR RX LABEL.

    That’s why it’s so important that you read your prescription labels and always follow the instructions.

What can you do if you need to drive?

When your medication is making your driving unsafe, but you still need to get work or run errands, here are some steps to take.

  • TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

    Create a list of all your prescriptions, OTC medicines and supplements, and talk to your doctor about the effects you’re experiencing.

  • ADJUST DOSING?

    Your doctor may be able to adjust the dose or the timing of your medicine to counter your effects.

  • CHANGE MEDICATION?

    Your physician may consider changing your medication to one that causes less symptoms.

  • CAN EXERCISE HELP?

    Or perhaps, your doctor may suggest an exercise or nutrition program that can lessen the need for the drug.

  • PLEASE REMEMBER.

    If unfortunately, none of these options is possible, do not drive. You’ll need to find an alternative to driving yourself.

You never know how a drug will affect your driving. Don’t risk it.

Before you take drugs and drive, think about what you're really taking.

For all your moments ahead, please drive safely.

 

Too many plans. Too many dreams. Don't Drive High.

There's more than one way to be under the influence.

Play it safe. Plan ahead.

If you’re using any drugs, including prescriptions and OTC medicines that may impair your driving, you can save lives by making smarter choices.

  • Designate a sober driver.
  • Call a cab or use a ride service.
  • Use public transportation.
  • If you’re hosting a party where drugs or alcohol will be present, make sure you take everyone’s car keys.
  • Always wear your seat belts.
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