Marijuana and motor vehicles don’t mix

Marijuana and motor vehicles don’t mix


Most of us grew up surrounded by warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving.

On television, at school, from parents … these messages were everywhere. What you may not have heard as much were cautions against driving while under the influence of other substances. But getting behind the wheel after using illicit drugs or certain prescription medications is also dangerous.

It seems today’s college students may not have gotten the memo about driving while under the influence of marijuana. A recent survey of students at two major universities revealed that 44 percent of college-age men admitted they had driven after smoking marijuana during the previous month.

The Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics published details of the study, which also showed women were much less apt to smoke and drive. Just 9 percent reported doing so in the prior month.

Both men and women had much lower rates of drinking and driving: 12 percent for the guys and 3 percent for the gals. Apparently, students view stoned driving as less of a problem than drunken driving. Here’s another interesting angle: students were more likely to ride with a stoned driver than to be one themselves.

However, experts urge caution. Marijuana is known to change the way a person perceives time and sensations, and affects focus. It also can cause drowsiness.

A recent study of crashes in six states showed increases in fatal car accidents involving drivers who use marijuana. Columbia University researchers reported the number of such crashes grew three-fold from 1999 to 2010, reaching 12 percent of traffic fatalities.

So whether you’re teaching kids about safe driving habits or striving to be a good driver yourself, remember: Marijuana and motor vehicles don’t mix.

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