We hear a lot of talk about DUI (driving under the influence) as it relates to alcohol, but it seems no one ever talks about driving when high on cannabis.
“Although impairment detection due to cannabis is not as straightforward as with alcohol, police are still able to identify cannabis impairment,” the AAA said in a press release.
Does getting high off weed impair driving skills?
A recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlights that nearly half of cannabis users believe that driving under the influence of cannabis does not significantly impair their driving skills. Specifically, 46.9% of respondents reported that they drive either the same, a little better, or much better after consuming cannabis. This perception is concerning given the known effects of cannabis on driving abilities, which include impaired judgment and attention, slowed reactions, and increased crash risk.
Many cannabis consumers drive on the same day they consume cannabis, with 84.8% reporting this behavior, and 53% consuming cannabis within an hour before driving.
There is a significant need for public education campaigns that address common myths and misconceptions about cannabis use and driving.
“Although AAA does not take a position on the legality of marijuana, we strongly oppose people driving under the influence of the drug,” said Molly Hart, spokesperson for AAA The Auto Club Group. “Marijuana causes impairing effects that make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.”
Cannabis and alcohol both impair driving, but they do so in different ways and to varying extents.
Both cannabis and alcohol impair cognitive functions such as reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, which are crucial for safe driving. As a result, both substances increase the risk of accidents, though alcohol is more consistently linked to higher crash risks.
Differences in Impairment
Alcohol tends to impair tasks requiring cognitive control more than automatic functions, whereas cannabis impairs automatic functions more than those requiring conscious control. Cannabis users often compensate by driving more cautiously, which is not typically seen with alcohol.
Alcohol often leads to increased risk-taking and faster driving, while cannabis can cause paranoia and slower driving. However, alcohol users are generally more aware of their impairment than cannabis users, who may underestimate their level of impairment.
And combining alcohol and cannabis results in greater impairment than using either substance alone, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
In summary, while both substances impair driving, alcohol tends to have a more pronounced effect on cognitive control and risk-taking behaviors. Cannabis, however, can lead to unpredictable effects due to individual tolerance and absorption rates, and users may not always recognize their level of impairment. The combination of both substances amplifies the risks associated with driving.