The danger of driving under the influence had been understated in earlier times. However, now it is evident that this problem requires taking strict measures. It was proved that “in 1987, more than half of all traffic fatalities were related to drunk driving” (Bell, James, & Nordby, 2014, p. 495). Since that moment, the laws have become more brutal, and many organizations have combated drunk driving. Excessive amounts of alcohol and drugs deprive the driver of conscious control over the vehicle, leading to catastrophic consequences. All major causes of vehicular accidents may be mentioned: excessive speed, failure to yield, or failure to stop at sign (Bell, James, & Nordby, 2014). When drivers are under the influence, they cannot realize the danger they pose to other drivers and pedestrians.
Some various drugs and medications can cause an overdose. First, this concerns drugs having a high potential for abuse and no medical prescriptions, such as heroin and LSD. However, marijuana and cocaine are exceptions in this list because death from them is unlikely. As for the drugs that have accepted medical use, such as morphine, cocaine, and methamphetamine, they can also result in an overdose, deliberate or accidental. In the latter case, the reasons can be “medicinal errors such as taking the wrong drug or the wrong dose of the right drug” (Bell, James, & Nordby, 2014, p.150). Another reason is organ damage from a primary medical condition, making it impossible to metabolize a drug in a usual manner. An overdose caused by alcohol is also possible if the vomiting reflex is extinguished. As for the processes in the body resulting in death, they are primarily paralysis of the respiratory center and increasing degrees of coma. Thus, both prohibited drugs and those having accepted medical use may lead to an overdose.
Reference
Bell, S., James, S., & Nordby, J. J. (2014). Forensic science: an introduction to scientific and investigative techniques (4th ed.). CRC Press.