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Driving stoned can be just as serious as if you were to drive under the influence of alcohol. Since pot was legalized in Washington, fatal accidents involving stoned drives have soared. Based on a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, it’s hard to decipher if a driver high on marijuana can be too impaired to operate a car.
Fatal Crashes Doubled
Used cars are great options for the buyer who is cost-conscious. The reputable resources where buyers have to purchase the vehicles have nearly doubled. Another rising statistic is the fatal car crashes among marijuana users. Washington noted that the fatal crashes involving motorists who used marijuana nearly doubled in 2014. Involved in approximately 17 percent of vehicle crashes, this is up from the 2013 figure of 8 percent, before pot was legalized. The huge increase is alarming and serves as an eye opener for the other states who have legalized marijuana usage.
Marijuana Testing
Although getting marijuana impaired drivers off the road may seem like a reasonable solution to the problem, testing can prove quite difficult. THC is the main component in marijuana. Blood alcohol testing is primarily done on drivers who have imbibed in alcohol. Unfortunately, laboratory studies for measuring marijuana usage is not the same as alcohol. A driver with high THC levels may not be impaired, while the other with a lower level can be viewed as impaired. Similar to the limits set with alcohol, there is a strong need to create legal limits for marijuana impairment also. Possession laws differ presently. While you could face a fine of $350 for 2.5 ounces of marijuana in Maine, Massachusetts has a penalty of $100 an ounce or less. Marijuana is a crime in many states, and the laws surrounding them are murky. A drug defense and criminal attorney can represent your case because they’re previous experience has shown them what to look for. They also are familiar with the necessary steps needed to deal with your case.
Recent Study Criticized
The recent study is facing criticism by the National Cannabis Industry Association. They are looking at different research finding provided by the Transportation Department. They reported that drivers who were drunk had a higher increase of being in a vehicle accident than marijuana users. They feel that the report shows nothing more than THC found in a driver’s system when the vehicle accident occurred.
AAA Hopes to Get Their Point Across
The primary result of the study is to show that drivers need to be aware that marijuana usage both legal and otherwise can impair a person’s ability to drive. Just because a drug is legal, doesn’t mean that it’s safe to take and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Drivers who do this are putting themselves, and the lives of others at risk.
Blood Test Issues
Another issues facing marijuana testing is that it requires up to two hours for the blood test to be administered. This is significantly longer than roadside blood alcohol and breath tests. A person’s THC levels can also lower greatly during the time that it takes to administer the test. The results could then be questionable. Instead of abiding by set legal limits, it’s recommended by the AAA that users be subjected to physiological and behavioral impairment testing and positive test for recent drug usage.
Important Things to Know
Until laws decriminalize marijuana usage in all states, there are some things you may want to know. Especially if you’re in the state of New Hampshire. You can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if you’re found to have small amounts of marijuana. This means you could face up to a year in jail and costly fines. If you sell, give or exchange small amounts of marijuana, this could result in a felony conviction.
