Ever since the State of California legalized recreational cannabis (commonly known as “weed”, “marijuana”, or “pot”) for adults, there is no doubt that its popularity has soared, making it a trendy way to cut loose for many adults, and gaining a fan base that perhaps even outpaces alcoholic drinks. Indeed, cannabis has become so popular among Californians that the term “California sober” was coined, meaning the practice of smoking cannabis or ingesting it in edible form, instead of consuming alcohol. But “California sober” does not mean “sober”, especially when it comes to consuming the drug and driving or operating a motor vehicle. The California Office of Traffic Safety wants to spread this important message, campaigning with the slogan “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze”. But does marijuana really affect a driver’s ability to navigate Palmdale roads? The California Office of Traffic Safety says “yes”, and we explain why that is in this article.
How Marijuana Affects Driving
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, marijuana has the following impacts on a person’s ability to drive:
- Marijuana slows a person’s reaction time and their ability to make decisions while driving. States the California Office of Traffic Safety, “Marijuana affects the part of the brain that controls body movement, balance and coordination and can impair judgment and memory. Studies show that driving while under the influence of marijuana negatively impacts attentiveness, perception of time and speed. Impaired memory can affect the ability to draw from past driving experiences, especially in emergency situations.”
- Marijuana may increase a person’s risk-taking behavior. The California Office of Traffic Safety advises, “The higher you are, the more risks you take while driving. Studies show that drivers with only a small amount of THC in their blood can feel the effects. They often try to be more cautious, driving slower than normal, even sometimes too slow. However, greater problems arise when increasingly larger doses of THC are present in the blood. These drivers tend to weave in and out of lanes more, react slower to traffic lights and unexpected obstacles and are less aware of their speed.”
- Those who drive immediately after using marijuana are at greater risk for getting into a serious car accident. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, “The effect of marijuana is strongest during the first 30 minutes after consumption. People who drive immediately after using marijuana may increase their risk of getting into a crash by 25 to 35 percent. The impairing effect rises rapidly and remains for some time. These effects can be delayed if the marijuana is ingested rather than smoked.”
Legal Help for Victims of DUI and Negligent Car Accidents in Palmdale
If you were injured in a car accident due to another driver’s impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol, or due to their negligent driving, contact the experienced Palmdale car accident lawyers at the Trevino Law Firm. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer today. Call the Trevino Law Firm and speak to a lawyer about your case.
