Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with a DUI during Memorial Day weekend 2017, and recent lab reports now reveal that at the time of the arrest, Woods had five different drugs in his system. According to the Miami Herald, drugs in Woods’ system that night included two mood/sleeping pills, marijuana, and two types of painkillers.
While Woods’ arraignment, which was scheduled to take place in mid-August, has been postponed, it is likely that the 14-time majors champion will enter a first-time DUI diversion program. In the meantime, here’s what we can learn from his arrest:
- Driving Under the Influence Isn’t Limited to Alcohol
Most people assume that being charged with a DUI is a charge for driving under the influence of alcohol. However, it is important to remember that DUI charges are not limited to alcohol alone – as found in Florida code 316.193, a person is guilty of a DUI when they are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any controlled substance, or a chemical substance (that is listed in Florida code) that impairs a person’s normal faculties.
- Don’t Self-Medicate
While it is not known whether or not Woods had a prescription for all of the medications that he was on when he was pulled over and arrested, the report cited above does quote Woods, who admitted to self-medicating to treat back pain and insomnia.
No matter your health condition, following the advice of a medical professional is always a safer, smarter choice than attempting to use a substance to treat a condition on your own.
- Don’t Mix Medications – There Can Be Serious Side Effects
Most medications are not designed to be taken in conjunction with other medications. In fact, in some cases, mixing medications can be dangerous, or even fatal. If you are prescribed more than one medication, ask your doctor about the safety of taking the medications at the same time, as well as the risks of mixing those medications with alcohol or other drugs.
- Throw Away Medications that Are Expired or Aren’t Being Used
If you are no longer using a medication, the prescription has expired, or the medication has not been prescribed for current use (i.e. it was a prescribed for a back injury you suffered last year), throw it away. Keeping medications on hand can pose a temptation, and may make it harder to resist the urge to self-medicate in the future. In an effort to avoid contaminating local water supply, do not flush prescription medication down your toilet.
- Drive Responsibly
No matter who you are, you have a duty to drive responsibly. When you get behind the wheel while high, drunk, or buzzed, you put yourself and others around you at risk. Always drive sober, distraction-free, and with safety in mind.
Contact Our Law Offices Today
If you are involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver in Florida, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP can assist you. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation about your rights and options, and information about filing a civil suit.