The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has released a new study highlighting the risks associated with driving under the influence of cannabis. The findings reveal that cannabis is now the third most commonly used substance in the United States, following nicotine and alcohol.
According to the study, 44.1% of participants reported consuming cannabis multiple times each day, while 57.8% stated they drive daily. Alarmingly, about 85% of those surveyed admitted to driving on the same day they used cannabis, with 53% consuming it an hour or less before getting behind the wheel.
Valerie Puma, a communications specialist at AAA Western and Central New York, emphasized the dangers of this situation. She noted that the combination of cannabis use and driving has become increasingly common, leading to a greater risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
The study also found that 46.9% of respondents believed their driving ability remained the same after consuming cannabis, with 14.7% thinking they drove a little better and 19.4% believing they drove much better. However, Puma cautioned that cannabis can impair drivers in various ways, causing fatigue, brain fog, impaired body movement, and altered perception.
Puma pointed out that the effects of cannabis on driving are complex and not easily measured, unlike alcohol. The AAA study further explored which messages effectively discouraged impaired driving. It found that people responded more positively to messages focused on personal responsibility and safety rather than those highlighting potential legal risks.
AAA advises individuals to prioritize safety. If there is any doubt about one’s ability to drive, they recommend calling a designated driver, taxi, or car service. Puma concluded by stating, “If you feel different, then you’re going to drive different. It’s not just you and your car. You are also in charge of keeping your passengers safe, as well as everybody else on the road safe.”
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