A new study from AAA has revealed that many cannabis users drive shortly after consumption, increasing the risk of driving impaired driving.
Cannabis use continues to rise across the US, with 38 states legalizing it for either recreational or medical uses. However, many users who enjoy the product may not do enough to prevent driving problems.
A survey by the AAA Foundation’s Road Safety Foundation found that nearly 45% of cannabis users consume multiple times a day, and nearly 58% report driving every day.
But even more surprising, over 80% of users allow them to drive within hours of cannabis consumption, with almost half of users thinking that cannabis “has little effect on driving.”
Researchers believe they need to do more to educate cannabis users about the risk of driving impairment, including crash loss, injuries and increased likelihood of death.
“Understanding the motivations of cannabis consumers to drive under influence cannabis can help develop effective safety strategies,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “Insights into awareness, decision-making and behavior help us to inform everyone of policies and interventions that make roads safer.”
The AAA Foundation also conducted two complementary studies. One is to analyze cannabis consumer perceptions of impaired driving, and the other is to identify effective messaging strategies to block action.
The findings of these studies highlighted important behaviors and attitudes.
44.1% of users consume cannabis multiple times every day. Drives 57.8% every day. 84.8% drive on the same day they consume, and 53% drive within an hour. 46.9% believe that marijuana will also not improve driving.
The second study found that messages focusing on personal responsibility and safety resonated more strongly than messages plagued by legal risk.
Respondents also said they prefer “realistic, positive and diverse messaging that avoids exaggerated stereotypes.”
A man is smoking a joint during a demonstration for the decriminalization of cannabis. (Getty Images)
Cannabis users also tend to trust the cannabis industry, and it has been found that policymakers and road safety groups will add incentives to partner with the industry on coordinating messages for possible messages that cannabis users may be involved.
“Effective messaging about driving with cannabis disorders should include reliable voices, real-world scenarios, and respectful language,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s Director of Road Safety Advocacy.
Targeted public education campaign efforts need to address common misconceptions, but highlight how cannabis can undermine driving in complex ways, such as fatigue, brain fog and changes in perception.
Click here to learn more about these AAA Foundation’s road safety studies.
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