Rolling and driving? A blunt truth about driving habits that has experts concerned
- Replies 0
As the golden years grace us with wisdom and experience, we also face new challenges and changes in society.
One such change is the increasing legalization of cannabis across the United States.
While this shift brings about a host of discussions on health and freedom, it also raises critical questions about safety—particularly when it comes to driving.
A recent study reveals that over 84% of cannabis users reported smoking, eating, drinking, or vaping marijuana within eight hours of driving.
The report, released last week by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, surveyed 2,000 cannabis users across eight states. It found that 84.8% drove within eight hours of using cannabis, and more than half (53%) admitted to driving within an hour or less of consumption.
As recreational marijuana is now legal in 24 states, both researchers and law enforcement are working to better understand how cannabis impacts cognitive and physical functions.
While driving under the influence remains illegal even in states where cannabis is permitted, there is still no widely adopted standard for detecting marijuana impairment on the road.
Here’s what you need to know about the study’s findings—and how cannabis use may affect drivers.
The impact of cannabis legalization on traffic accidents and fatalities varies by state, but research suggests a general upward trend.
A University of Illinois Chicago study analyzing death certificates from 2009 to 2019 found a 10% increase in motor vehicle deaths in four states where recreational marijuana became legal: Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, and California.
Similarly, a separate study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs observed that, nationwide, the legalization of recreational marijuana during that same 10-year period was associated with a 6.5% rise in injury crashes and a 2.3% increase in fatal crashes.
While cannabis-related crashes appear to be increasing, they are significantly lower compared to those involving alcohol impairment.
Michael Greger, founder of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, noted that while cannabis use can double or triple the risk of a car crash, alcohol increases crash risk by six to 15 times, making it a far more significant contributor to traffic deaths.
How does cannabis affect one’s driving performance?
The impact of cannabis on driving ability is still not fully understood, as it varies significantly based on several factors—including frequency of use, dosage, THC potency, method of consumption, and an individual's tolerance, metabolism, and body composition.
In general, frequent users may experience less impairment from the same type and amount of cannabis than occasional or first-time users.
As noted in a 2012 study published in the German medical journal Deutsches Ärzteblatt, “patients who take cannabinoids at a constant dosage over an extensive period of time often develop tolerance to the impairment of psychomotor performance.”
The method of consumption plays a major role in how quickly and for how long the effects are felt. According to a study in Clinical Chemistry, inhaled cannabis (such as smoking or vaping) produces psychoactive effects within minutes, peaking in about three hours.
In contrast, edibles can take up to an hour to kick in, with effects lasting as long as eight hours.
In the recent AAA Foundation study, 50% of respondents said they had consumed marijuana on the same day they took the survey, and over 44% reported using it multiple times a day. Most respondents said they used dried flower (68.6%) or edibles (64.1%).
When asked about how cannabis affected their driving, 46.9% of users believed they drove the same as when not under the influence. However, many acknowledged experiencing symptoms like drowsiness, brain fog, and slowed reaction time while driving.
Scientific studies support those self-reports. A 2019 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people who smoked cannabis and drove just 30 minutes afterward exhibited significantly reduced speeds compared to non-users during simulated driving tests.
Similarly, a separate study published in JAMA Network confirmed that marijuana users tend to drive more slowly, which may reflect cognitive or motor impairment rather than safer driving behavior.
Cannabis vs. alcohol affecting drivers: Is there a difference?
Yes, cannabis and alcohol impair driving performance in distinct ways, according to multiple studies.
Drivers under the influence of cannabis tend to drive more slowly, while those under the influence of alcohol are more likely to speed and take risks.
A 2024 study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention observed that 53 regular cannabis users drove at speeds significantly below the limit during a simulated driving test.
In contrast, when 18 of those same participants consumed only alcohol, they spent 40% or more of the time exceeding the speed limit.
Why the difference? According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, alcohol often causes overconfidence, which can lead to reckless behaviors like speeding, running red lights, and weaving through traffic.
Also read: Are you at risk? Doctors reveal the shocking link between alcohol and cancer!
Cannabis, by contrast, may lead to feelings of anxiety or paranoia, making drivers more cautious and inclined to drive slowly.
Still, both substances impair key functions such as judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents regardless of whether the driver is speeding or driving cautiously.
Can you drive while under the influence of cannabis?
No. It is illegal in all 50 states to drive under the influence of cannabis, regardless of whether marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use in that state.
Driving while impaired by cannabis poses significant risks to safety and can result in legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.
Read next: New York tragedy: How misuse of this animal's feces led to fatal pneumonia in two men
Have you or someone you know been affected by cannabis-impaired driving? Do you have thoughts on how we can improve road safety in light of these findings? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below!
One such change is the increasing legalization of cannabis across the United States.
While this shift brings about a host of discussions on health and freedom, it also raises critical questions about safety—particularly when it comes to driving.
A recent study reveals that over 84% of cannabis users reported smoking, eating, drinking, or vaping marijuana within eight hours of driving.
The report, released last week by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, surveyed 2,000 cannabis users across eight states. It found that 84.8% drove within eight hours of using cannabis, and more than half (53%) admitted to driving within an hour or less of consumption.
As recreational marijuana is now legal in 24 states, both researchers and law enforcement are working to better understand how cannabis impacts cognitive and physical functions.
While driving under the influence remains illegal even in states where cannabis is permitted, there is still no widely adopted standard for detecting marijuana impairment on the road.
A recent study by AAA shows that the majority of cannabis users surveyed admitted to driving within eight hours of consumption, with over half of these driving within an hour. Image source: Darwin Vegher / Unsplash.
Here’s what you need to know about the study’s findings—and how cannabis use may affect drivers.
The impact of cannabis legalization on traffic accidents and fatalities varies by state, but research suggests a general upward trend.
A University of Illinois Chicago study analyzing death certificates from 2009 to 2019 found a 10% increase in motor vehicle deaths in four states where recreational marijuana became legal: Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, and California.
Similarly, a separate study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs observed that, nationwide, the legalization of recreational marijuana during that same 10-year period was associated with a 6.5% rise in injury crashes and a 2.3% increase in fatal crashes.
While cannabis-related crashes appear to be increasing, they are significantly lower compared to those involving alcohol impairment.
Michael Greger, founder of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, noted that while cannabis use can double or triple the risk of a car crash, alcohol increases crash risk by six to 15 times, making it a far more significant contributor to traffic deaths.
How does cannabis affect one’s driving performance?
The impact of cannabis on driving ability is still not fully understood, as it varies significantly based on several factors—including frequency of use, dosage, THC potency, method of consumption, and an individual's tolerance, metabolism, and body composition.
In general, frequent users may experience less impairment from the same type and amount of cannabis than occasional or first-time users.
Cannabis consumption can lead to drowsiness, brain fog and slow reaction times, often resulting in users driving below the speed limit. Image source: Shelby Ireland / Unsplash.
As noted in a 2012 study published in the German medical journal Deutsches Ärzteblatt, “patients who take cannabinoids at a constant dosage over an extensive period of time often develop tolerance to the impairment of psychomotor performance.”
The method of consumption plays a major role in how quickly and for how long the effects are felt. According to a study in Clinical Chemistry, inhaled cannabis (such as smoking or vaping) produces psychoactive effects within minutes, peaking in about three hours.
In contrast, edibles can take up to an hour to kick in, with effects lasting as long as eight hours.
In the recent AAA Foundation study, 50% of respondents said they had consumed marijuana on the same day they took the survey, and over 44% reported using it multiple times a day. Most respondents said they used dried flower (68.6%) or edibles (64.1%).
When asked about how cannabis affected their driving, 46.9% of users believed they drove the same as when not under the influence. However, many acknowledged experiencing symptoms like drowsiness, brain fog, and slowed reaction time while driving.
Scientific studies support those self-reports. A 2019 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people who smoked cannabis and drove just 30 minutes afterward exhibited significantly reduced speeds compared to non-users during simulated driving tests.
Similarly, a separate study published in JAMA Network confirmed that marijuana users tend to drive more slowly, which may reflect cognitive or motor impairment rather than safer driving behavior.
Studies indicate that the legalization of recreational cannabis has been associated with an increase in motor vehicle accidents and deaths, though not to the same extent as alcohol-related incidents. Image source: Gabe Pierce / Unsplash.
Cannabis vs. alcohol affecting drivers: Is there a difference?
Yes, cannabis and alcohol impair driving performance in distinct ways, according to multiple studies.
Drivers under the influence of cannabis tend to drive more slowly, while those under the influence of alcohol are more likely to speed and take risks.
A 2024 study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention observed that 53 regular cannabis users drove at speeds significantly below the limit during a simulated driving test.
In contrast, when 18 of those same participants consumed only alcohol, they spent 40% or more of the time exceeding the speed limit.
Why the difference? According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, alcohol often causes overconfidence, which can lead to reckless behaviors like speeding, running red lights, and weaving through traffic.
Also read: Are you at risk? Doctors reveal the shocking link between alcohol and cancer!
Cannabis, by contrast, may lead to feelings of anxiety or paranoia, making drivers more cautious and inclined to drive slowly.
Still, both substances impair key functions such as judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents regardless of whether the driver is speeding or driving cautiously.
Can you drive while under the influence of cannabis?
No. It is illegal in all 50 states to drive under the influence of cannabis, regardless of whether marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use in that state.
Driving while impaired by cannabis poses significant risks to safety and can result in legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.
Read next: New York tragedy: How misuse of this animal's feces led to fatal pneumonia in two men
Have you or someone you know been affected by cannabis-impaired driving? Do you have thoughts on how we can improve road safety in light of these findings? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below!
