Malibu is Driving Under the Influence

Driving, especially on PCH, can be harrowing. Have you ever felt like all the other drivers around you were drunk or on drugs? They are, according to a new study. This one comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In short, it says:

Eleven percent of drivers tested positive for drug use during the daytime and 14 percent during the nighttime. Alcohol and marijuana were the substances of choice for these impaired drivers.

No wonder it's scary when you exit your driveway. Solution—improve your defensive driving. Defensive means: staying alert, keeping both hands on the steering wheel and no texting or talking on the cellphone while driving (I can't believe we still have to say that), among other things. 

Of course, if you suspect an impaired drive, call 911. If someone is tossing a cigarette out in our fire prone area, reckless driving or running a stop sign, you can always fill out a form on the nifty sheriff site called STTOP. It was started to report bad teen driving, but now includes adults who behave poorly. A nice sheriff will send a letter, the first time. If the person is a repeat offender, a nice man or woman in a uniform with a badge will show up at your house the second time. I hear there's something quite nasty in a third time offender's future.