Drivers Under the Influence of Marijuana Continue to Endanger those on Roadways

 Posted on February 27, 2018 in Car Accidents

Most people relate driving under the influence to alcohol consumption. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marijuana users are roughly 25 percent more likely to be involved in an automobile collision in comparison to drivers with no traces of marijuana in their system. Therefore, as recreational marijuana becomes more prevalent throughout the country, roadways are becoming increasingly more dangerous.

If you or a member of your family are injured in automobile collision due to another’s negligent driving or drug use, please contact an experienced and compassionate Waukegan personal injury attorney to discuss your case and your legal options.

Nighttime Drivers and Marijuana Use

Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015 indicated that nearly 13 percent of nighttime drivers operated their vehicles with marijuana in their system. Since then, however, a number of states have elected to legalize recreational marijuana, and the use of recreational marijuana—legal or otherwise—continues to rise nationwide.

Another Notorious Driving Day?

For decades, there has been a nationwide recognition of notoriously dangerous driving days, from New Year’s Eve to July 4. On both days, a startling uptick in driving fatalities has been concretely attributed to an increase in the number of drivers electing to drive under the influence.

As use of recreational marijuana increases around the country, another day has been added to that list. According to the U.S. News and World Report, there is an equally disturbing uptick in roadway deaths on April 20, a day unofficially touted as a marijuana holiday.

Twenty five years of research conducted by the U.S. government’s top traffic safety institutions noticed a 12 percent increase in roadway fatalities on April 20. In other words, an additional 142 drivers lose their lives on April 20, in comparison to standard calendar days.

How Does Marijuana Use Affect Driving?

According to the CDC, marijuana use negatively impacts regular driving habits—specifically skills that are required for safe driving. Such impacts include the following:

• Reactions times and the ability to make decisions are slowed; and
• Coordination is impaired and perception is distorted.

In addition, the CDC notes that the risks associated with impaired driving that involves the use of both marijuana and alcohol “appears to be greater than that for either by itself.”

Contact a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Understanding the risks on the roads can only help us remain as safe as possible. Unfortunately, however, collisions still occur and injuries are suffered far too regularly. If you or a member of your family are injured in a car crash, do not hesitate to contact our team of passionate Waukegan car accident attorneys to discuss your legal options.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-02-12/marijuanas-4-20-holiday-tied-to-rise-in-fatal-car-crashes

https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/pdf/marijuana-driving-508.pdf