Collision Rates Higher in States With Legalized Marijuana

 Posted on October 26, 2018 in Car Accidents

When most people think of driving under the influence, they think of drivers that have made the decision to drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car. In reality, a substantial number of DUI arrests involve drivers under the influence of legal or illegal drugs. Throughout the United States, nine states have legalized recreational marijuana, and an additional two states have initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana on the ballot this fall. Here in the state of Illinois, medical marijuana was legalized in 2013, through House Bill 1. The bill allows those who have medical marijuana permit to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. 

Proponents of legalized marijuana cite the reduced number of arrests for minor drug possession and boosted tax revenue as reasons for legalization. However, those that oppose legalized marijuana will have a new talking point this voting cycle: legalized marijuana appears to have led to a clear increase in Lake County motor vehicle accident attorney. 

Legalized Marijuana Endangering Drivers 

According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motor vehicle collision insurance claims were up by 6% in states in which recreational marijuana has become legal. The study was conducted through a comparison of vehicular collision insurance claims in a number of states with legalized marijuana (Colorado, Oregon, Washington), as opposed to states that have declined to legalize marijuana. An additional study conducted using data from the Highway Loss Data Institute found that police-reported crashes rose in the same states by 5.2% post-legalization.  

The problem of inebriated drivers who are under the influence of marijuana will most likely continue to be a challenging issue for law enforcement. According to drug experts, the levels of THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) in a person’s blood can drop by 70% within an hour. This makes it incredibly difficult for law enforcement officials to accurately and consistently test drivers for traces of marijuana. However, one thing is clear: rising intoxication among American drivers is likely to lead to a rise in motor vehicle collisions, injuries, and fatalities. 

Contact a Waukegan Personal Injury Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our team of personal injury lawyers have years of experience helping people who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions. Recovering from an automobile accident can be difficult, and victims often have to deal with physical pain, psychological stress, and emotional challenges. Fortunately, we are here to help. A quality legal team can help you receive compensation that will address the crippling financial toll of medical bills, costly physical therapy, and substantial loss of work hours. To set up a free consultation with a Lake County motor vehicle accident attorney, call our office today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/states-with-legal-marijuana-see-rise-in-car-crashes-studies/

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-marijuana-dui-20180322-story.html