In addition, aside from the fact that legalization will lead to an increase in the level of crime and violence in our communities, increased drug use has terrible consequences for our citizens in other ways. Drug use also impacts on the productivity of America's workers. 71 percent of all illicit drug users are 18 or older and employed. In a study conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, the data collected shows that among drug users, absenteeism is 66 percent higher and health benefits utilization is 84 percent greater in dollar terms when compared against other workers. Disciplinary actions are 90 percent higher for employees who are drug users, as compared to non-drug users.
Public safety is another critical area that is impacted by drug abuse.
A 1993 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reported that 18 percent of 2,000 fatally injured drivers from seven states had drugs other than alcohol in their systems when they died. I trust it is clear by now why other law enforcement officials and I believe the legalization of drugs is the wrong course for our Nation to take. The Partnership for a Drug Free America reported the results of a recent survey showed that as young Americans perceive that drugs are dangerous, drug use drops proportionately. Conversely, as young Americans get the message that social disapproval drops, as they hear in the legalization debate, drug use increases. Drug use in America was reduced significantly between the year 1985 through 1992.