Operation Daydreamer is a statewide program in Tennessee that endeavors to stop drugged driving. One state trooper has made it his mission to share his story to create awareness of this problem. When he heard the dispatcher’s voice calling troopers to a fatal crash, he had no idea that his parents were among the deceased.
He says his parents died in the crash that was caused by a driver who was under the influence of Xanax. According to a Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesperson, the program’s name comes from the dazed look on the faces of drivers who are impaired by drugs. Since it was initiated last October, 71 impaired drivers had been arrested.
He says the driving force for the program is the opioid epidemic, and their goal is to save lives by meeting the problem head-on. Troopers put in extra hours during the daytime because, other than the typical Friday and Saturday night drunk drivers, many of those who use opioids are on the roadways during the day. Drugged driving is a preventable crime that can forever change the lives of victims and their loved ones should an accident occur.
Anyone who is a victim of a crash that was caused by a drugged driver or those who have lost loved ones in such accidents can pursue financial relief through the Tennessee civil justice system. An experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney can advocate for the plaintiffs. With the lawyer’s support and guidance, medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses might be recovered along with emotional damages like pain and suffering.
