Report Finds More People Are Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs

More people are driving under the influence of drugs, according to a recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The report found that in 2016, 44 percent of drivers who died in crashes with known results tested positive for drugs. That's up from 28 percent in 2006. 

Of the drivers who died and tested positive for drugs, 38 percent had some form of marijuana in their system, 16 percent tested positive for opioids, and 4 percent tested positive for both. It's unclear if the drugs played a part in causing the fatal crashes, though.

The report's author said it's hard to understand "the full scope of the drugged driving problem" because a lot of people who are arrested or involved in crashes aren't tested for drugs. And even if they test positive, they may not necessarily be impaired by the drugs.

The report suggested that the public health, pharmaceutical and marijuana industries should join forces to educate patients and customers about the potential impairing effects of some drugs.