Rebecca O’Mara
Everyone knows — or should know — that getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol is dangerous. Now, a new study shows that smoking marijuana before you drive increases your risk of being involved in a fatal car accident. The study also reveals that even short-term marijuana use can be deadly on the road, especially when it’s combined with alcohol consumption.
Everyone knows — or should know — that getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol is dangerous. Now, a new study shows that smoking marijuana before you drive increases your risk of being involved in a fatal car accident. The study also reveals that even short-term marijuana use can be deadly on the road, especially when it’s combined with alcohol consumption.
Study Says Pot [Cannabis] & Alcohol Are a Deadly Combo
The
study, which was published by the Columbia University Mailman School of
Public health, looked at 14,742 motorists who were at fault in
accidents, as well as the same number of drivers who were not
responsible for the crash. The study analyzed data from 1993 through
2014 and found that among 28 percent of at-fault motorists tested
positive for alcohol, 10 percent tested positive for marijuana, and four
percent had both in their systems.
Driving Under The Influence Of Marijuana
“Many
different activities can impair one’s driving, such as being under the
influence of alcohol or constantly looking at a smartphone. Using
marijuana prior to or during driving is certainly one of those dangerous
factors, as well. Marijuana usually slows down the user’s perception of
depth, time, motion and sounds. It also impairs coordination and
concentration.” Source
Among
motorists who weren’t to blame for their accidents, 10 percent tested
positive for alcohol, six percent for marijuana, and just one percent
for both alcohol and marijuana.
According
to this data, people who tested positive for both alcohol and marijuana
were six times more likely to die in a car accident. Researchers also
found that testing positive for marijuana makes an individual 62 percent
more likely to be responsible for causing a crash.
Furthermore,
recent marijuana use — such as use occurring within a few hours of
driving — impairs motor skills and reaction time, which makes a person
more likely to get into an accident in the first place.
Side Effects of Pot / Marijuana (Cannabis)
So
far, lawmakers have legalized marijuana for medical use in 28 states
and the District of Columbia. No matter where you live, it’s important
to be aware of the side effects of marijuana use.
In
the short-term, marijuana can cause memory loss, anxiety, paranoia,
panic, increased heart rate, and hallucinations. It also increases a
person’s risk of stroke and decreases coordination.
Over
time, prolonged marijuana use lowers IQ, impairs thinking, and often
leads users to explore other types of drugs. Many marijuana users report
pot being a gateway drug to harsher substances, such as cocaine and
heroin. Contrary to what some people think, marijuana is also addictive.
After a time, the brain becomes used to the chemicals contained in
marijuana, which means users must smoke or consume more to achieve a
high.
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