In a 2015 research, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered that drivers who tested positive for marijuana were twice as likely to be involved in a fatal collision as drivers who were not impaired. The study compared accident rates of drivers who tested positive for marijuana to those who did not. It used data from six states.
Marijuana usage impairs driving skills in a variety of ways. It can affect coordination, response time, and judgment, all necessary for safe driving. Marijuana also impairs perception, making it difficult for drivers to estimate distances, speeds, and other essential driving parameters.
Marijuana’s effects on driving abilities might vary based on numerous factors, including the amount of substance ingested, frequency of usage, and the user’s tolerance level. However, even infrequent marijuana use can impair driving abilities and raise the chance of a vehicle accident.
Drivers must be aware of the dangers linked with marijuana usage while driving and take proper measures. It is advised to avoid going if you take marijuana. If you must move, wait until the effects of the medicine have entirely worn off, which might take several hours or more.
Marijuana has been shown to affect driving ability in a variety of ways, including:
Slowing response time: Marijuana might impair your capacity to react to unforeseen traffic dangers.
Marijuana might affect your judgment and your ability to make rapid judgments.
Reduced coordination: Marijuana might impair your coordination and make driving harder.
Marijuana can affect your sense of distance and speed.
Sleepiness: Marijuana can produce sleepiness, making it harder to focus on the road.
Increased Chances
Marijuana usage has been linked to an increased chance of getting involved in an automobile accident, according to research. According to a 2015 research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers who tested positive for marijuana were twice as likely as drivers who were not impaired to be involved in a fatal incident.
The risk of impairment is higher for novice users and those who consume large amounts of marijuana. Marijuana’s effects can also continue for several hours. Thus, it is critical to wait at least 6 hours after taking marijuana before driving.
Precautions
Here are some precautions to take if you use marijuana:
Before driving, wait at least 6 hours after smoking marijuana.
Do not drive if you are unclear whether you are intoxicated.
Make use of a ride-sharing service or arrange for a sober transport home.
Consult your doctor about the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
It is critical to remember that driving while under the influence of marijuana is prohibited in all states. If you are found driving while intoxicated, you may face harsh consequences such as fines, jail time, and a suspended license.
To summarize, marijuana usage increases the likelihood of getting involved in an automobile accident, and drivers must be aware of the hazards and take proper measures. Drivers may assist in lowering the risk of accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the road by not driving after consuming marijuana and waiting until the effects have worn off entirely.
