While cannabis and legally prescribed as well as over the counter medication are all legal to take in California, it is not legal to drive while under their influence. Surprisingly, many medications can impair your ability to drive. This can include prescription medications such as muscle relaxers and pain relievers. It can even include over the counter cold medications as well as over the counter sleep aides. Basically, if it impairs you in any way, it can result in DUI charges. DUI drug charges carry the same penalties as alcohol DUI charges. In the case of illicit drugs, you could be facing additional drug charges as well.
The Fresno Bee reports on a seven-vehicle accident that they believe may have been the result of a DUI involving drugs.
19-year-old Timothy Butler of Citrus Heights is facing felony DUI charges following a crash that left five people seriously injured.
The crash occurred shortly before 8 pm on Sunday on Highway 180 near Sanger.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Butler is suspected of instigating the crash when he sideswiped a truck while heading eastbound along the highway.
This collision caused Butler to lose control of the vehicle, sending him into oncoming traffic. This is where he collided with multiple other vehicles, eventually involving a total of seven vehicles.
Five people were seriously injured. One of those, a young girl, suffered from serious head injuries.
A CHP officer trained as a drug recognition expert determined that Butler was under the influence of a drug. Toxicology tests will be performed to determine what kind of drug Butler was using at the time of the accident.
