Deaths by accidental drug overdose increase statewide

Drug overdoses have surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., and North Carolina has a higher than average overdose rate, WSOC reports.

Deaths from accidental overdoses in the state went from fewer than 500 in 1999, to more than 1,100 in 2011, according to the report. More than 90 percent were caused by overdoses of drugs or medications.To help counter the issue, state lawmakers are set to approve the Good Samaritan Bill, which would limit criminal charges for someone who calls 911 during an overdose.