Our Dallas readers may be interested in learning that the Office of National Drug Control Policy has recently spearheaded a national campaign to raise public awareness on drugged driving. While the issue may not get as much attention as drunk driving, recent data shows that it is, in fact, a problem. Legally, drugged driving is covered under DUI and DWI laws.

The study in question was released by the National Highway Traffic Association, and is now being used as part of an effort to urge state legislators to address the issue of drugged driving more strongly.

Data from 2009 show that drugged driving is particularly a problem among young people. In 2009, one in four fatally injured drivers who tested positive for any drug was under the age of 25.

Interestingly, age and gender do make a bit of a difference as to the type of drugs most commonly used. Data from 2009 show that drivers at or above 45 years of age, and females generally, are more likely to test positive for narcotics and antidepressants, while males drivers were more likely to have been under the influence of cannabinoids and stimulants.

Drugged driving itself, though, is an equal problem among both males and females. In 2009, for instance, male and female drivers were equally as likely to test positive for drugs in states where there were more than 10 fatally injured drivers.

Marijuana has reportedly held a prominent place among young drivers. Data from 2005 to 2009 shows that 42 percent of fatally injured drivers who tested positive for marijuana were below the age of 25.

Source: Boston Globe, "US campaign targets drugged driving," Oct 14, 2011.