While alcohol-impaired driving remains the most serious problem on the nation’s roadways, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with other impairing substances in their system keeps rising. Faced with more instances of DUID – Driving Under the Influence of Drugs – state and local officials are reiterating the message that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” The message takes on increased importance with the state licensing commercial nonmedical marijuana sales as of Jan. 1 under provisions of Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act.

In the 10 years from 2005 to 2015, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with an impairing drug other than alcohol in their system has risen from 26.2% to 42.6%. As far back as 2012, a roadside survey in California showed more drivers tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14%) than did for alcohol (7.3%). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4%, slightly more than alcohol.

In addition to marijuana, drivers could be subject to a DUI arrest if they are under the influence of prescription medications like sleep aids, tranquilizers, barbiturates, opiates and other painkillers, anti-depressants, and even over-the-counter allergy or cough medications.

Due to the increase in drug-impaired drivers on the road, police, sheriff and CHP are training more officers in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE). The advanced training augments the Standardized Field Sobriety Test to help identify what substances other than alcohol a driver may be impaired by and how seriously they are impaired.

During December, the Office of Traffic Safety ran public awareness announcements concerning prescription medication DUI. Continuing through much of January, the emphasis of the “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze” campaign switches to one that points out that no matter the age or circumstance, and no matter the reasons for consuming marijuana, no one should ever drive while high.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” a free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The app has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.