Drug Czar Warns on Drugged Driving

White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske told an international conference that driving under the influence of prescription and illicit drugs is a growing problem, the New York Daily News reported March 10.

Appearing at a United Nations conference, Kerlikowske said that the number of drugged drivers may be rising even as drunk driving declines. He estimated that one in six weekend drivers in the U.S. is “under the influence of an illicit or licit drug.” Marijuana is the most common drug used by drivers, but prescription-drug impairment also is common, he said.

Kerlikowske called for the U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs to address drugged driving at its 2011 meeting.