April 20 – aka 420 – Marijuana Impaired Driving is Illegal

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Today being 420 for stoners,* AutoInformed says don’t believe that marijuana won’t affect your driving. Driving impaired by any substance—alcohol or other drugs, whether legal or illegal—is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Law enforcement officers are trained to observe a drivers’ behavior and to identify impaired drivers. Even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of the drug. Research shows that marijuana impairs motor skills, lane tracking and cognitive functions.**

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to conduct research to increase understanding of the relationship between marijuana impairment and increased crash risk. NHTSA’s Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk Study found that marijuana users are more likely to be involved in crashes. However, part of the increased risk may be due in part because marijuana users are more likely to be young men, who are generally at a higher risk of crashes.

Research also indicates drug prevalence is on the rise among drivers. NHTSA’s 2020 study of seriously or fatally injured road users at studied trauma centers (Thomas et al., 2020) suggested that the overall prevalence of alcohol, cannabinoids and opioids increased during the public health emergency compared to before.

While evidence shows that drug-impaired driving is dangerous, we still have more to learn about the extent of the problem and how best to address it. In January 2018, NHTSA launched a new initiative to address drug-impaired driving. NHTSA’s National Drug-Impaired Driving Initiative brings together experts, including law enforcement officials, prosecutors, substance abuse experts and others, to discuss strategies that can reduce drug-impaired driving.

Practice Responsible Behavior

• We can all save lives by making smarter choices.
• Plan ahead for a sober driver, if you plan on using an impairing drug.
• Don’t let friends drive if they’re under the influence of drugs.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol or other substances will be used, it’s your job to make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it’s the best defense against impaired drivers.

* Stoner day celebration

• See cannabis culture

** Research

• (Robbe et al., 1993; Moskowitz, 1995; Hartman & Huestis, 2013). A 2015 study on driving after smoking cannabis observed that THC in marijuana also hurts a driver’s ability to multitask, a critical skill needed for safe driving.
• Update to Special Reports on Traffic Safety during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Fourth Quarter Data [Traffic Safety Facts] DOT HS 813 135 DOI : https://doi.org/10.21949/1526015

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• Marijuana – Feel Different Then You Drive Different