Drug use by drivers needs further research

Further research needs to be carried out into the effects of drug use by drivers. Following the legalisation of marijuana for recreational use in some US states, there is concern over the risk this may pose to driving. Most people understand that driving while under the influence of alcohol is a risk. But many people think marijuana to have less of an effect on driving ability and do get behind the wheel following its use. Exactly how many drivers in these US states drive after (or while) taking marijuana i
May 26, 2017 Read time: 2 mins

Further research needs to be carried out into the effects of drug use by drivers. Following the legalisation of marijuana for recreational use in some US states, there is concern over the risk this may pose to driving. Most people understand that driving while under the influence of alcohol is a risk. But many people think marijuana to have less of an effect on driving ability and do get behind the wheel following its use. Exactly how many drivers in these US states drive after (or while) taking marijuana is unclear although there is some evidence being collated by police showing a connection between crashes and use of the drug. Nor is it fully understood how much marijuana in the bloodstream will have an appreciable effect on driving ability. A survey by the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety (IIHS) suggests that people who live in states that allow recreational use of the drug are more likely to view it as a highway safety problem than drivers in states without legalised use.

Related Content

  • Eyes on the road – the distraction problem
    June 23, 2016
    The news that Europe’s road safety drive stalled in 2015 is a cause for concern. The actual causes of this stutter in the road with regard to boosting safety have yet to be identified. But it is highly likely that driver distraction plays a role, at least in part. There is plenty of research showing just how much of a risk the use of cellphones pose for drivers. And yet far too many drivers are blasé about the risks these pose for driver distraction. The sight of someone using a cellphone at the wheel i
    Read More
  • Roadside drug tests for UK drivers
    January 27, 2015
    The police in England and Wales are introducing roadside tests to check whether drivers are under the influence of drugs. The crackdown on drug driving will see recently approved testing kits being used by traffic officers for enforcement purposes. Concern has been expressed following recent studies showing large numbers of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. Young male drivers pose a particular risk for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. There are also
    Read More
  • Improving road safety a priority beyond politics
    February 23, 2012
    Figures have long since become an important part of our daily lives. Data on all the humdrum events around us is regularly used to shape political policy that is in most instances, designed to improve our well-being.
    Read More
  • Distracted driving from smartphone use poses a major road safety threat
    December 10, 2013
    Cell phone use while driving is not appreciated amongst drivers for the risk it presents. And with people growing ever more reliant on smartphones and other hand-held devices, the issue of distracted driving looks set to increase. Automotive manufacturers are installing wifi and other technologies in new generation vehicles in a bid to broaden market appeal, particularly to younger drivers. But it seems little thought has been given to the safety risks these pose should drivers attempt to use them when behi
    Read More

Highlighted Content