DUI PROBLEM ENCOMPASSES MORE THAN JUST ALCOHOL

Seven-Time Offender First Arrested In 1983

WISE - Drunken drivers aren't the only killers on area roadways.

There is another danger that is not as easy to detect - driving while under
the influence of drugs.

Wise County Sheriff Ronnie Oakes said DUIs that relate to prescription drug
influence are more of a problem than driving under the influence of alcohol.

"The biggest thing we are seeing is people with a medication problem. ...
Medication is probably worse than the alcohol at this time because of the
OxyContin problem and other drugs like Percocet," Oakes said.

Oakes said the problem of driving under the influence is mainly found with
drivers between the ages of 17 and 30.

Charging a motorist with driving under the influence is a little more
complicated than an alcohol-related charge, Oakes said.

With alcohol, officers usually can smell if a motorist has been drinking.
That's not the case with medication.

"You can tell by their reaction," said Oakes. "A lot of times they can't
talk well, or they are really slow. It's like they are in a daze. Their
eyes may be bloodshot."

If an officer suspects that someone is driving under the influence of
prescription medication, the suspect has to undergo a blood test. The test
then has to be sent to a lab to detect what type of medication the motorist
has been taking and if it is prescribed to them or not.

Other charges may follow. If a motorist is in possession of a prescription
drug without authorization, they can be charged with possession and
possibly with intent to distribute.