High crash rates are a concern in US states where marijuana use is legalised - image © courtesy of Mike Woof
Road crash data from those US states where marijuana is legalised for recreational purposes shows a cause for concern. A study has been carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), revealing that California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington have a higher rate of road crashes than previously. This has been backed up by another study carried out by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).
The two studies reveal that there has been a 6% increase in road crashes involving injuries in California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington states, compared to other states in the Western US. Of greater concern is that road crashes have increased by 4% in California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington states compared to other states in the Western US.
Research by the IIHS using simulators shows that people under the influence of marijuana show delayed reaction times and have greater difficulty concentrating. They also have problems maintaining a lane and are more likely to make mistakes in emergency situations.
However, drivers under the influence of marijuana also tend to drive more slowly, overtake infrequently and maintain their distance from vehicles in front. The issue of DUI is particularly serious in some US states.
There are a number of inconsistencies in the data collated so far. But they do highlight the particular risk of drivers combining alcohol with marijuana, which poses greater problems.
While other US states, not to mention other nations, may look to liberalising laws on marijuana use. The data from California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington makes it clear that there are issues over road safety at stake. Very clear laws need to be in place on DUI, while driver education and enforcement measures also need to be used.
