FORT SMITH, Ark. — Spanish version: Para español haga click aqui.
The Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) announced they are taking extra measures this holiday season to keep the community safe from impaired drivers.
Impaired driving includes people driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs, or alcohol.
Starting Dec. 13, 2023, to Jan 1, 2024, FSPD says it will be stepping up its "enforcement activities" to make sure they catch those who disobey the law. This doesn't just apply to those who willingly choose to drive impaired, but also to those who may not know they are not fit to drive.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds drivers that it is illegal to "drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, meth, or any impairing drug."
Drugs that can cause impairment and therefore categorize you "under the influence" include some over-the-counter drugs. Basically, you may be at risk of driving impaired and not even know it.
Here's a list of things you may not know can impair your driving
- Prescription drugs that cause
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Affect judgment
- Lessen coordination
- Over-the-counter drugs that can cause all of the above and or "irregular heartbeat or shakiness"
- Prescription drugs such as opioids, sedatives, muscle relaxants and some antidepressants. According to NHTSA, these have been associated with increased crash risk.
- NHTSA reports that some medications "may not impair you on their own" but could cause impairment when mixed with another drug/s or even alcohol.
Officials say that even if you happen to be impaired by an over-the-counter medication, this could still lead to an arrest. NHTSA reminds drivers "If you feel different, you drive different."
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