California law prohibits driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, for very good reason. People who drive while intoxicated are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. Combining alcohol with drugs can enhance the effects of both substances. For example, combining alcohol with the drug Xanax can increase the amount of sedation caused by both substances. According to the American Addiction Centers, those who take more Xanax than alcohol may also exhibit feelings of euphoria. Along with the sedation comes a significant decrease in motor reflexes. Additionally, the alcohol will be processed by the liver first, causing the Xanax to remain in a person’s system longer.
The Laguna Niguel-Dana Point Patch reports that one person was hospitalized after a driver intoxicated by alcohol, Xanax, and Oxycodone was involved in a collision.
54-year-old James Daniel Forsyth is charged with DUI along with enhancements after striking a man in Laguna Niguel. The crash occurred on July 3rd at the intersection of Alicia Parkway and Niguel Road. Orange County Sheriff’s Sgt. Joses Walehwa stated that the victim was taken to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
According to authorities, Forsyth was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. On Monday, he pleaded not guilty to the charges of driving under the influence causing injury, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs causing injury. All charges are felonies.
California Vehicle Code 23152(e) makes it unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, whether legal or illegal. This law is designed to prevent impaired driving, which poses a significant danger to public safety.
In addition, Forsyth was charged with possession of a controlled substance. He also faces enhancement charges of inflicting great bodily injury and leaving a victim comatose or paralyzed.
Forsyth’s blood-alcohol level was allegedly .08% and he was also allegedly under the influence of Oxycodone and Xanax at the time of the crash.
He is being held on $1 million bail. His next scheduled court appearance is July 30th.
