Myth: Marijuana Is a Major Source of Traffic Accidents
http://archive.saferchoice.org/content/view/1023/83/
Myth: Marijuana Is a Major Source of Traffic Accidents / saferchoice.org
FACT: Driving under the influence of marijuana - like driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs - is potentially hazardous. As a result, it is currently illegal and will surely remain that way even if marijuana is treated like alcohol. That said, it should be noted that no compelling evidence suggesting that marijuana is even remotely as problematic as alcohol when it comes to individuals driving under the influence.
In particular, marijuana has not been found to contribute substantially to traffic accidents, as alcohol undoubtedly does. Whereas alcohol use tends to produce car-handling impairment and increase risky driving practices, marijuana use does not produce substantial car-handling impairment and typically makes drivers more cautious. This is probably why we hear about alcohol-related accidents all the time, but rarely hear about accidents attributed solely to marijuana.
Ultimately, our society could better address the problems associated with people driving while impaired by allowing law enforcement officials to stop spending time worrying about adults simply using or possessing marijuana - a drug less harmful than alcohol - and instead spend it looking for dangerous drivers.
Myth: Marijuana Is a Major Source of Traffic Accidents / saferchoice.org
FACT: Driving under the influence of marijuana - like driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs - is potentially hazardous. As a result, it is currently illegal and will surely remain that way even if marijuana is treated like alcohol. That said, it should be noted that no compelling evidence suggesting that marijuana is even remotely as problematic as alcohol when it comes to individuals driving under the influence.
In particular, marijuana has not been found to contribute substantially to traffic accidents, as alcohol undoubtedly does. Whereas alcohol use tends to produce car-handling impairment and increase risky driving practices, marijuana use does not produce substantial car-handling impairment and typically makes drivers more cautious. This is probably why we hear about alcohol-related accidents all the time, but rarely hear about accidents attributed solely to marijuana.
Ultimately, our society could better address the problems associated with people driving while impaired by allowing law enforcement officials to stop spending time worrying about adults simply using or possessing marijuana - a drug less harmful than alcohol - and instead spend it looking for dangerous drivers.