Did you know that driving under the influence of drugs like marijuana could be extremely hazardous?
Sadly, many people feel like they can operate vehicles when they are under the influence of substances like marijuana. According to CBS News, a recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that Americans are concerned with those who drink and drive more than the threat of other drugs.
The foundation reported that one-in-six Americans feel it is acceptable to drive one hour after using marijuana. However, many people seem to think there are growing problems, as 85 percent of Americans said they would support marijuana-impairment laws.
This is both good and bad—while it is good that people support possible legislation that would make marijuana impaired driving a severe crime, the fact that one out of six people feels like it is okay to smoke marijuana and drive is not positive.
Remember, drugged driving can cause delays in motor skills, balance and coordination, perception, attention, reaction time and judgment. This is incredibly important to remember in areas like Washington D.C. and Maryland, where the legalization of recreational marijuana use has become the norm.
Sadly, according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 9.9 million people admitted to driving under the influence of illicit drugs during a year prior to being surveyed.
Avoid this—make sure you keep yourself and others’ safe by avoiding drugged driving. Much like alcohol, if you are in an area where marijuana use in approved, make sure you have a designated driver or alternative form of transportation.
Who Should I Speak to If Am Injured in a Drunk or Drugged Driving Accident?
If you are injured in a drugged or drunk driving accident, you should speak to our attorneys. Keep in mind, people who negligently use drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle can be held liable for any accidents they cause.
You should not have to suffer because of another person’s lack of safety. For more information about vehicle accident cases, you can visit our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Additionally, make sure you talk to your children about the dangers of drugged driving. In 2011, 12 percent of high school seniors said they drove under the influence of marijuana in the two weeks prior to prior to a national survey.
Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys
Did You Know? An estimated 4 to 14 percent of drivers involved in accidents with injuries test positive for THC.
Source: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/12/29/drunk-drivers-greater-problem-than-drug-impaired-survey/