As cannabis use continues to rise across the United States, so does the alarming trend of driving under the influence of the drug, posing a significant threat to public safety, according to a new report from AAA.
Cannabis, now legal in some form in 38 states, is the third most used substance in the U.S., trailing only nicotine and alcohol. With this surge in consumption, recreationally and for medicinal purposes, concerns are mounting over the increased risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities related to cannabis-impaired driving.
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“Although AAA does not take a position on the legality of marijuana, we strongly oppose people driving under the influence of the drug,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Marijuana causes impairing effects that make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.”
A comprehensive study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed troubling statistics among cannabis consumers:
- Frequent Use: 44.1% consume cannabis multiple times daily.
- Driving After Use: 84.8% drive the same day they consume, with 53% driving within an hour of use.
- Underestimation of Impairment: 46.9% believe cannabis has little to no effect on their driving.
The research also delved into effective messaging to deter cannabis-impaired driving, finding that:
- Messages emphasizing personal responsibility and safety resonate more than those focusing on legal consequences.
- Realistic, positive, and diverse messaging is preferred over exaggerated stereotypes.
- Tailored messaging is crucial for different audiences.
- Cannabis consumers trust messaging from cannabis industry groups and brands.
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“Effective messaging about cannabis-impaired driving needs to include credible voices, real-world scenarios, and respectful language,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy.
AAA is urging policymakers and the cannabis industry to collaborate on public education campaigns, highlighting the complex and varied effects of cannabis on drivers, which can include fatigue, impaired perception, and altered motor skills.
While detecting cannabis impairment is more complex than alcohol impairment, law enforcement can still identify drivers under the influence.
“As cannabis becomes more widely used, relevant and engaging public health messaging will be more critical than ever,” AAA stated. “Combatting impaired driving must be multifaceted – employing policy, enforcement, environmental strategies, and health information, all to improve public safety.”
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