what populations are especially affected by drugged driving?

Populations especially affected by drugged driving include teen drivers and older adult drivers. Teens are particularly vulnerable because they are less experienced, more likely to underestimate dangerous situations, and more prone to risky behaviors like speeding and following too closely. The combination of inexperience and drug use dramatically increases their crash risk, and car crashes remain the leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 19 years. Older adults are also at higher risk due to potential mental decline, which can lead to improper use or dosing of prescription drugs and slower drug metabolism, increasing the chance of unintended intoxication while driving. Additionally, men are more likely than women to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and adults aged 21 to 25 have the highest percentage of drug or alcohol-influenced driving compared to younger teens or older adults. College students also show significant rates of drugged driving, primarily with marijuana, followed by cocaine and prescription pain relievers. These findings highlight the complex nature of drugged driving risks across different age groups, with teens, young adults, and older adults being the most impacted populations.