What marijuana users need to know about driving under the influence.
Driving under the influence of any drug or alcohol substance is dangerous. However, as marijuana becomes legalized across the country, it’s important to be aware of the safety concerns associated with its legalization. On November 8, 2016, Proposition 64 was passed, and recreational marijuana was legalized in California. Marijuana alters users’ perception and judgment and should be consumed with caution, especially when driving. Learn how marijuana utilization impacts your safety on the road.
Mind-Altering Effects
While marijuana usage may be legal, it’s not safe to use the drug and drive. The Delta 9 – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the drug interacts with the body, causing changes in an individual’s motor skills, perceptions, cognition, and memory. These effects can have a negative impact while behind the wheel, and increase the risk of a traffic accident.
Examining the Numbers
In states where marijuana has been legalized, reports indicate an increase in marijuana-related car crashes. In Colorado, the percentage of accidents that involved a driver who tested positive for THC rose from 6.9 percent in 2006 to 19.3 percent in 2014, according to the Rocky Mountain High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Similarly, in Washington, the percentage of drivers under the influence of marijuana increased from 18.2 percent in 2009 to 32.5 percent in 2015 as reported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Marijuana Usage and Traffic Enforcement
Unlike alcohol, it’s not so easy to measure the level of intoxication when drivers are under the influence of marijuana. While more research is needed and policies must be put in place, law enforcement receives training to determine if someone is under the influence.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or marijuana so that you protect yourself and the safety of others while on the road. Looking out for you as a team, Hoffman Brown Company in Sherman Oaks, California, will assist you with insurance recommendations. Contact us for more information.
