Driving safely on American roads means remaining alert, focused, and fully in control. Yet, recent data shows a clear rise in cannabis use among drivers, putting Cannabis and Driving Safety in the national spotlight. Understanding why this is happening is essential for anyone interested in keeping our communities safe.
The Rise of Drugged Driving in America
Cannabis is now the third most common substance people use in the United States, just behind nicotine and alcohol. Its growing popularity is not surprising; after all, 38 American states have legalised some form of cannabis consumption. Out of these, 24 states allow recreational use, and 14 permit cannabis for medical use only.
With laws shifting and social attitudes becoming more relaxed, using cannabis and then driving is becoming increasingly common. This trend in Drugged Driving in America raises vital questions about public safety on our roads.
How Common Is Cannabis-Impaired Driving?
Recent studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have brought new insights into Cannabis and Driving Safety. Researchers wanted to explore how often people drive after using cannabis and what they believe about the risks involved.
Key findings include:
- Frequent consumption: 44.1% of survey participants said they use cannabis several times daily.
- Driving is routine: 57.8% reported driving every day.
- Driving soon after consuming: 84.8% admitted to driving on the same day as cannabis use, with 53% getting behind the wheel an hour or less after consuming.
- Perceived safety: 46.9% believed cannabis does not really affect their driving; 14.7% thought it made them drive a little better, and 19.4% even felt it improved their driving significantly.
These numbers highlight a concerning mismatch between perception and the reality of cannabis-affected driving skills. (for more WRD News)
Also see
- Effects of cannabis on visual function and self-perceived visual quality
- Cannabis (THC) messes with your Executive Functions – Can disrupt and impede good decision making and add to dysregulation
- Cannabis and Driving: Victorian Law Change for ‘Medicinal’ Cannabis Users – But is Road Safety Seriously Compromised?
- ‘Medicinal’ Cannabis & Driving – Is it an Issue? (DRR)
