Police: Farmington Woman Crashes While Inhaling Laughing Gas

Propellant cartridges used in the making of whipped cream are known as “whippets” among those who abuse the compound to get high. (Wikipedia photo licensed under Creative Commons)

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A woman who landed in the hospital with injuries sustained when she crashed her 2011 Land Rover into a wall on I-94 Monday night was inhaling laughing gas at the time, Michigan State Police said.

The 36-year-old Farmington woman continued driving for another quarter of a mile after the crash until she finally stopped in Clinton Township, the Detroit Free Press and The Macomb Daily report.

Nitrous oxide, as laughing gas is properly known, is legal to possess, Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said in an email, but it’s illegal to drive after inhaling it.

While searching the woman’s SUV, investigators found 32 “propellant” cartridges of the compound, as well as several Xanax and oxycodone pills in her purse. Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an anesthesia during dental practices and also is sold in cartridges for the making of whipped cream.

It is frequently abused as an inhalant by people seeking the euphoric high it produces. Its effects can also include slurred speech, lack of coordination and dizziness.