Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is a growing problem not limited to states that have legalized adult cannabis use. Cannabis is the most common illicit drug detected among drivers (Sevigny, 2018). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Roadside Survey found that the percentage of weekend nighttime drivers that tested positive for cannabis rose from 8.6% in 2007 to 12.6% in 2014, a 48% increase. In addition, poly-use of cannabis with other substances, particularly alcohol, contributes to increased levels of impaired driving. Several studies have found that the effects of cannabis and alcohol on driving ability are additive, and for drivers involved in both fatal and non-fatal crashes, the combination of cannabis and alcohol is the most commonly detected multiple substance pairing (Hartman et al., 2015; Li, Chihuri, & Brady, 2017). The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found substantial evidence of an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes associated with cannabis use (NASEM, 2017). Cannabis has a negative effect on several cognitive functions that directly impact driving ability: reaction time measurement, divided attention tasks, critical tracking tasks and response to an urgent task (Bondallaz et al., 2016). When alcohol and cannabis are consumed concurrently, even in lower doses than would impair a driver if consumed alone, driving skills deteriorate more rapidly, with reaction time and staying in one’s lane being most affected (Bondallaz et al., 2016; Hartman et al., 2015).
Source: Cannabis The Current State of Affairs, by CADCA
Fortunately, there are lots of solutions to get home safe with ride share apps, tipsy tow on major holidays, or a designated driver.
Some Santa Cruz county restaurants offer discounts or free appetizers for designated drivers. Ask if they have any have any “choose Your ride specials”
Just like drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs is a crime – even if your impairment is due to prescribed medications, illicit drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana – medical or recreational. The legal and monetary consequences are the same, both with your time and money. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a driving while impaired offense could cost up to $10,000 for first-time offenders. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) estimates the cost of an offense at approximately $13,500, which includes insurance hikes, attorney and legal fees, restricted licensing, days off work to go to court, a criminal record and more.
Source: Office of Traffic Safety
