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DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Alcohol – Marijuana-Impaired Driving in Sacramento
As California moves forward with the legal sale of recreational marijuana, law enforcement agencies across the state—including the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Sacramento Police Department, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—have launched a critical public awareness campaign: “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”
The campaign follows a tragic DUI crash where a driver allegedly under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana struck and killed a CHP officer on a Bay Area highway. Incidents like these highlight a growing danger on California roads: driving while high.
If you’ve been injured in a Sacramento DUI accident, the dedicated team at Hillstone Law is here to help you seek justice and full compensation.
Marijuana Impairs More Than You Think
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it is illegal to drive under the influence of any drug—not just alcohol. That includes marijuana, even when legally obtained.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana can severely impact:
- Coordination
- Judgment
- Reaction time
- Decision-making abilities
In fact, studies show that marijuana-impaired drivers are twice as likely to cause a fatal crash. In states like Colorado, marijuana-related traffic fatalities surged from 55 to 125 in the years following legalization. Combining marijuana with alcohol dramatically increases the risk.
The takeaway? If you choose to use marijuana, do it responsibly—and never get behind the wheel.
Spotting an Impaired Driver
Recognizing the signs of an impaired driver can help you avoid a dangerous accident. Watch for:
- Swerving or weaving within lanes
- Inconsistent speeds
- Drifting into other lanes
- Driving far below the speed limit
- Sudden or erratic braking
If you observe this behavior, stay back, pull over, or take the nearest safe exit. Safety comes first.
Steps to Take After a Sacramento DUI Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash involving marijuana or alcohol in Sacramento, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 – Police can assess the other driver and conduct sobriety or drug testing.
- Exchange Information – Get license, plate number, and insurance details.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the vehicles, surroundings, and any visible injuries.
- Get Witness Statements – Their accounts may support your claim later.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, injuries may show up later.
- Track Everything – Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and accident-related expenses.
Contact a Sacramento DUI Attorney at Hillstone Law
Drug-impaired driving is reckless, illegal, and dangerous—and victims deserve justice. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a marijuana- or alcohol-related DUI accident in Sacramento, Hillstone Law is ready to hold the negligent party accountable.
📞 Call us now at (310) 595-1222 for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
