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Abstract
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As part of a new Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) researchers are looking into Texans' attitudes on marijuana use and analyzing the traffic safety impacts in states that have legalized, decriminalized or made marijuana available for medical purposes.
Several U.S. states have relaxed their marijuana laws, and during the 2016 election, four more states legalized recreational marijuana use. In 2015, Texas legalized the use of low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) marijuana oil for patients with certain medical conditions. But its effect on driving is not really known, and the Governors Highway Safety Association has recognized this as a key traffic safety area needing further study.
"As our country moves toward more relaxed marijuana use and possession laws, more research is needed on the impact that will have on traffic safety," says TTI Assistant Transportation Researcher Jena Prescott, principal investigator on the project.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2013-2014 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers show alcohol use prior to driving is decreasing, while drug use (specifically marijuana) is increasing.
"With the passage of the 2015 law, learning more about the traffic safety implications of medicinal and legalized marijuana use is critical for the future of our state," says Troy Walden, director of TTI's Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Studies.
Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving
Language: en |