Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Over the last 10 years, fatal car accidents related to marijuana use have increased by three-fold. This is a disheartening trend as more and more states consider legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
We have heard about the dangers of drinking and driving, but driving a car while impaired by any drug is dangerous, too. Pot is considered a mind-altering drug, which means it affects reaction time, attention, and judgment, all-important to safely operating a car. Our culture often overlooks the casual use of this drug, but that does not make it acceptable to put others in danger by driving under its influence.
Information about deaths occurring within one hour of an auto accident was gathered in a recent study. Marijuana was present in only 4% of the deaths in 1999 but rose to 12% in 2010. Dr. Guohua Li, co-author of the study at Columbia said:
“Currently, one of nine drivers involved in fatal crashes would test positive for marijuana. If this trend continues, in five or six years non-alcohol drugs will overtake alcohol to become the most common substance involved in deaths related to impaired driving.”
A driver’s risk of death increases dramatically when combining alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, by as much as 24 times compared with a sober driver. Sit with that statistic for a minute. Recognize that if you are not engaged in that kind of substance abuse, others who share the road with you are.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, another recent study found driving under the influence of drugs might be a larger problem than previously thought.
The report unveiled 45 percent of drivers who were stopped by police for reckless driving had marijuana in their systems, while 25 percent had cocaine. None of these drivers had alcohol in their systems.
Evidence is growing that marijuana use shortly before or while driving increases the risk of accidents. Share this important message; do not drink or use drugs and drive. Be safe and protect lives, including your own.
When you recognize harmful patterns and seek treatment, you can increase your chances of leading a healthier life. Cliffside Malibu is here to support you in your search for an alcohol-free life. We believe you deserve to have a private, comfortable and luxurious environment as you navigate your journey to a sober life. Our center allows you to explore your mental health needs, creates a treatment plan that is unique to you and allows you to discover beneficial coping skills. To learn more about alcohol treatment at Cliffside Malibu, call (855) 403-5641.