Driving under the influence of drugs is as dangerous and unlawful as driving under the influence of alcohol. In studies, the government found that a disturbingly large number of surveyed drivers admitted that they'd operated a vehicle within two hours of using drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, tranquilizers, stimulants, or sedatives. Increases in drug-related driving offences, particularly among young drivers, has led the federal government to urge state authorities to adopt strict policies with regard to these offenses. Most states have zero-tolerance policies with regard to young drivers, both for alcohol- and drug-related driving offenses. In many states, the police use a standard Drug Evaluation and Classification Program to determine whether a driver is under the influence of drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs is against the law in all states, and the penalties are usually similar to those pertaining to alcohol-related driving offenses.
