Hit-and-Run Driver Accused of Getting High on Electronic Duster

On March 23rd, 2026, Fox 13 News reported that the Florida Highway Patrol had arrested a man for allegedly committing a hit-and-run near Tampa while high on fumes from an electronic duster. This incident highlights the varied and often surprising substances that drivers may use to “get high” behind the wheel. If your crash was caused by an intoxicated driver, consider speaking with a Tampa car accident lawyer.

Man With “White Residue” Around His Mouth Tried to Flee Two Collisions

The Florida Highway Patrol states that its troopers first became aware of the man after he started driving recklessly and passing in a no-passing zone in his F-150. He then hit a vehicle pulling out of a private driveway. He fled from this collision before crashing a second time, this time hitting a metal handrail at a bus stop. His vehicle finally came to a rest in a ditch.

With the police approaching, this man attempted to flee a second time but was taken into custody by troopers. These troopers soon noticed strange white residue around the man’s mouth and executed a search of his wrecked truck. Inside the vehicle, they found two cans of “electronic duster.” One of the cans was empty, and troopers say they detected the man’s saliva on the nozzle. This evidence led to the man’s arrest for leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence.

Do Drivers Get High on Electronic Duster in Tampa?

Some drivers get high by inhaling electronic duster and similar products behind the wheel. On the street, this is known as “huffing,” “dusting,” or “bagging.” Although the labels for electronic duster products indicate that they are only compressed air, the gases actually contain something called 1,1-difluoroethane (DFE). Inhaling this substance can cause a brief, 30-second high.

A driver who is high on electronic duster may experience all kinds of impediments. These include hallucinations, extreme euphoria, and even cardiac arrest. Combined with the short-lived high, the addictive nature of huffing can cause drivers to constantly take more “hits” from the compressed air product, thereby extending these dangerous side effects.

Can I Sue a Driver for Causing My Crash While High on Electronic Duster?

Yes, you can potentially sue a driver for causing your crash while under the influence of electronic duster and other compressed-air products. Intoxicated driving is a clear form of negligence, whether the motorist is impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or any other substance. Consider speaking with an experienced injury attorney to determine whether a lawsuit is possible or worthwhile.

Can a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Tampa car accident lawyer may be able to help if you’re recovering from injuries caused by an intoxicated driver. As unbelievable as it might sound, huffing air dusters is relatively popular among addicts in the Tampa area. Combined with driving, this can lead to some extremely dangerous situations. Contact Anderson & Anderson to learn more about pursuing compensation in this situation.

Source: 

fox13news.com/news/florida-driver-accused-huffing-electronic-duster-charged-dui-after-hit-and-run-crash-fhp