According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2012 there were nearly 36 million licensed drivers age 65 and older in America. Ask any older person, they'll tell you that driving makes them stay mobile and independent. But, according to the CDC, the risk of a crash increases with age.

While older drivers are less likely to drink and drive than their children and grandchildren, still 7% of older drivers killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%, the CDC reported in May 2015.

Drug vs. Alcohol-Related DUIs for Retirees

Older drivers remember when drinking and driving was socially acceptable and when seat belts were optional. Though they know that they can be arrested for drinking and driving, some of them are not aware that nowadays, they can get arrested for driving under the influence of lawfully prescribed medications.

Considering that most people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond are on at least one, if not multiple medications, there is a very good chance that they could be breaking the law without knowing it. For seniors, prescription drug DUIs tend to be a greater concern than alcohol-related DUIs.

Many prescription medications impair one's ability to drive a vehicle, including:

• Opioids
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Allergy medicines
• Cold medicines
• Muscle relaxers
• Pain medications
• Anti-psychotics
• Sleeping pills, such as Ambien or Lunesta

Drug DUIs Are Prosecuted the Same as Alcohol DUIs

Today, driving under the influence of a controlled substance to the extent that it impairs driving ability is illegal. Generally, the penalties for a prescription drug DUI are the same as an alcohol-related offense.

This means that a conviction can lead to driver's license suspension, jail, fines, probation, community service, alcohol education, and attendance at a MAAD victim impact panel among other penalties.

If you were arrested for a prescription drug DUI, contact a DUI lawyer from our directory!