Study: 1 in 3 drivers tested positive for drugs

Results of a new study just released says one in three drivers in Washington State are driving with drugs in their system.

The new statistics coincide with a crackdown on impaired driving that stretches across the country.

The numbers include marijuana, illegal drugs and medication.

Police say all of those drugs have the capability of making a driver impaired so officers are trying to get the word out that law enforcement will be out in force starting this weekend to crack down on impaired drivers.

It's a nationwide campaign called "Summer drive sober or get pulled over."

It's a two-week push to make drivers aware that being under the influence of drugs is just as dangerous as drinking and driving and will have the same consequences.

The study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Commission found 33 percent of 2,400 drivers tested positive for drugs.

Nearly 15 percent were high on marijuana, compared to only five percent who were over the legal limit for alcohol.

While the drinking and driving numbers are encouraging to law enforcement, they want to point out the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs.

The Drive Sober push comes as summer wraps up and children head back to school.

Nearly every police department in the area is taking part in the extra patrols, from Renton to Everett, Seattle to Sammamish, Kirkland to Kent.

Drivers should expect to see more traffic patrols between Wednesday and Sept. 5.

Cox Media Group