Drivers are constantly reminded about the dangers of drunk driving. In 2022 alone, alcohol-related crashes killed 13,524 people. Marijuana use is up, making cannabis the third most-used substance in the U.S. Marijuana and driving—Is there a problem? Although not every marijuana user drives under its influence, a survey published by AAA shows that your chances of being involved in an accident with someone who does are far from reassuring.
AAA wants to understand attitudes toward marijuana and driving
Cannabis consumption is legal in 38 states—24 allow recreational use, and 14 permit only medical use. As cannabis use increases, impaired driving has become more common, raising the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
“Understanding what motivates cannabis consumers to drive under the influence can be helpful in developing effective safety strategies,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “With insights on perceptions, decision-making, and behavior, we aim to inform policies and interventions that make our roads safer for everyone.”
Users’ attitudes toward safety deeply troubling
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released findings from a study that analyzed marijuana users’ thoughts, perceptions, and reasons for driving under the influence. The study used surveys to gain a deeper understanding of cannabis consumers’ behaviors and perceptions of themselves.
A panel of public health, law enforcement, traffic safety, and cannabis subject matter experts developed these surveys.
Survey respondents who are confirmed cannabis consumers revealed a few key themes:
- Daily and frequent consumption – 44.1% said they consume cannabis multiple times per day.
- Driving regularly – 57.8% indicated that they drive daily.
- Consuming then driving is common – 84.8% revealed that they drive the same day that they consume cannabis, with 53% saying they consumed an hour or less before driving.
- Believe consumption has little effect on driving – 46.9% believe they either drive the same, a little better (14.7%), or much better (19.4%).
Should we be worried about marijuana and driving? More than 80% of marijuana users feel that their cannabis use either doesn’t negatively affect their driving, or actually makes them a better drivers. Look out! Research across seven states with legalized recreational cannabis found an average 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths, with effects varying by state.
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This paints a very sad picture of our culture! Common sense? Hmmm…..
Thank you, Russ and Tina! AAA studying the relationship between cannabis and driving is a good idea. The legality of use is still too new to know much. I think caution should be exercised and not much concluded from initial studies. Similarly, might be a better idea to drive and then use cannabis rather than reversing the order. Looking forward to seeing more published research, given how accessible cannabis has become. Have a great day and safe travels!
Not to promote impaired driving, if you take the time to do some digging you will find that legal MJ results in many positives, including less alcohol and drug use, including addictive opioids; less domestic violence, less teenage MJ use, etc. Here’s a good source of the facts and a short excerpt from the website:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2722956/
Surprisingly, given the alarming results of cognitive studies, most marijuana-intoxicated drivers show only modest impairments on actual road tests.37, 38 Experienced smokers who drive on a set course show almost no functional impairment under the influence of marijuana, except when it is combined with alcohol.39