There is a “Prevalence of Cannabis-Impaired Driving,” According to New Study

There is a “Prevalence of Cannabis-Impaired Driving,” According to New Study

A new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study has found that "over half of cannabis consumers surveyed say they drive within an hour of consuming the substance, and most don’t believe it impairs their ability to drive." 

According to AAA, the study "analyzed cannabis consumers’ perceptions, self-reported behaviors and reasons for driving under the influence."

“As cannabis becomes more widely available, relevant and engaging public health messaging will be more critical than ever,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Combatting impaired driving must be multifaceted — deploying policy, enforcement and health information, all to improve public safety.”

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Study in Focus
 
AAA says that according to survey respondents:

Frequent consumption: 44.1% said they consume cannabis multiple times per day.

Consuming then driving is common: 53% said they consumed an hour or less before driving, and an additional 20% said they consumed 2-3 hours before driving.

Believing consumption has little effect on driving: Most drivers believe they operate a vehicle the same (46.9%), a little better (14.7%), or much better (19.4%) after consuming cannabis.

Unlike alcohol, cannabis affects drivers in complex ways that are not easily quantified, says AAA. Effects can vary from person to person but may include fatigue/sleepiness, brain fog, changes in visual or auditory perception and impaired body movement.

 

Messaging in Focus

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also focused on what types of impaired driving messages resonated most with participants who are regular cannabis consumers.

Messages that highlighted personal responsibility and safety concerns performed better than messages based on legal risks; participants strongly preferred realistic, positive and diverse messaging that avoids exaggerated stereotypes, said AAA. 

According to AAA, messages should be "tailored to the intended audience (not a one-size-fits-all approach), and that research shows that cannabis consumers consider doctors and the cannabis industry to be trusted sources." 

AAA strongly encourages the cannabis industry, healthcare providers, policymakers and other traffic safety stakeholders to use these findings to advance public education about the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving.

Visit AAA's “Shifting Gears: the Blunt Truth about Marijuana and Driving” program here. 

PHOTO: Unsplash/Ryan Porter