Stand up for the facts!

Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.

More Info

I would like to contribute

$

Are more drivers drunk — or on drugs?

By Louis Jacobson
April 5, 2010

Much has been made of the United States’ success in reducing the amount of drinking and driving over the past few decades. But is there a growing problem with drivers on drugs?

The White House drug czar seemed to suggest as much.

“More people are driving under the influence of drugs than are driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Gil Kerlikowske. “A recent roadside survey showed that 16 percent of the people tested, tested positive for illicit or licit drugs. That’s significantly higher than alcohol.”

Kerlikowske cited a rigorous study, but we found there was more to the story. Read our full report to see why we rated this statement Half True.

Our Sources

See item for complete sources.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Louis Jacobson
Donald Trump
stated on May 4, 2026 a White House event:
“Consumer confidence is way up."
False
Donald Trump
stated on April 23, 2026 remarks at the White House:
“We are right now producing more oil than Saudi Arabia and Russia combined.”
Mostly True
Chris Wright
stated on April 19, 2026 an interview on CNN's "State of the Union":
Solar and wind have not reached “3% of global energy.”
Half-True
Donald Trump
stated on April 15, 2026 an interview with Fox Business News:
“Thom Tillis is no longer a senator.”
False
Byron Donalds
stated on April 12, 2026 an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press":
The U.S. Navy was created "to free international waters from the Barbary pirates."
Mostly True
Seth Moulton
stated on March 24, 2026 an interview on MS NOW:
"Bombing civilian power infrastructure is a war crime.”
Mostly True
Donald Trump
stated on March 29, 2026 remarks aboard Air Force One:
“We've had regime change.”
Mostly False
Donald Trump
stated on March 27, 2026 a speech to a Saudi investment conference:
“More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country.”
Half-True
Chris Wright
stated on March 12, 2026 an interview with Fox News:
The U.S. produces “more oil than we can consume. We’re a net oil exporter.”
Half-True
Donald Trump
stated on March 9, 2026 a press conference:
Iran “also has some Tomahawks.”
False

Are more drivers drunk — or on drugs?





Donald Trump
stated on May 4, 2026 a White House event:








Donald Trump
stated on April 23, 2026 remarks at the White House:







Chris Wright
stated on April 19, 2026 an interview on CNN's "State of the Union":