Police say Grand Island has the most drug DUI cases in the state

According to the CDC, Nebraska is number one in percentage of drunk drivers on the road.

Another behavior behind the wheel has become an increasing concern.

Most people think that DUI is just drunk driving but drugs make up a large percentage.

 A drug DUI is categorized as when a person is driving under the influence of ANY substance, other than alcohol, put into the body that can impair the ability to drive.

It’s especially prominent in Grand Island where they have now seen 81 drug DUI cases so far this year.

“We have definitely had an increase in DUI drugs cannabis related categories and I think that is directly related to legalization of marijuana in Colorado in 2014,” said Grand Island Police Officer, Andre O’Connor.

According to police, that percentage is rising from 16 percent four years ago to 39 percent now.

“DUI drugs can be over the counter or prescription drug use, and if your doctor prescribes you medication and it impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safety, you could potentially be arrested for DUI drugs,” said O’Connor.

O’Connor says you can be driving under the influence of not just illicit drugs but also common medication.

The best way to avoid getting arrested is to check you prescription.

“If it gives you caution or label on there, use caution while operating any motor vehicle or heavy machinery, you should probably not operate a vehicle,” said O’Connor.

Grand Island was the first to be a part of the Drug Recognition Expert Program because the city has had a long drug problem.