Double Trouble: Users of Both Alcohol and Marijuana Take More Risks Behind the Wheel
Release.jpg For More Information, Contact: Jim Garrity, Public and Legislative Affairs Manager Desk: 412-365-7274 / Cell: 412-905-9021 Email: Garrity.James@aaaec.com (mailto:Garrity.James@aaaec.com) Double Trouble: Users of Both Alcohol and Marijuana Take More Risks Behind the Wheel As 4/20 looms, AAA Survey Finds Users of Both Admit Variety of Dangerous Driving Behaviors People who use both alcohol and marijuana are some of the most dangerous motorists on the road. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, they are significantly more likely to speed, text, intentionally run red lights, and drive aggressively than those who don't. They also are far more likely to report driving under the influence of alcohol than those who consume only alcohol and not marijuana. "These data show the alarming impact of alcohol and marijuana use on the choices motorists make when they get behind the wheel," says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs, AAA East Central. "From choosing to drive impaired, to driving distracted, running red lights, or speeding, using these two drugs leads to poor decision-making with potentially fatal consequences." The AAA Foundation's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index found that motorists who use both marijuana and alcohol were significantly more prone to driving under the influence of alcohol versus those who only drink alcohol but do not use marijuana. These motorists identified as someone who consumed alcohol and used marijuana in the past 30 days, and in some cases, they may have used both at the same time. They also engage in various other dangerous driving behaviors far more than drivers who consume either just alcohol or abstain from either drinking alcohol or using marijuana. Compared to alcohol-only users, drivers who admitted to using both were more likely to report such behaviors as: · Speeding on residential streets (55%) vs. alcohol-only (35%) · Aggressive driving (52%) vs. alcohol-only (28%) · Intentional red-light running (48%) vs alcohol-only (32%) · Texting while driving (40%) vs. alcohol-only (21%) "With 4/20 approaching, it's worth noting that marijuana use can inhibit concentration, slow reaction times, and cloud judgment. Its effects vary by individual, but several studies, including one that AAA released in 2020 (https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUdHgfR0y-2FHnVjug5ieQYVXI5p7YCPxhXuQczmFzGNvNRnDQYkfmnAADp1AQhkyzik2eo2n3p8O1a3Q-2BGEJZBznNUG4V0MMwAi7R61k7o5XouBJ-2FMs1XimJkdUMtzvusi3uocmDmk88rptw77gZJagtrh3FNS2csiA1DhQBzg466N01D-_kfytytOqXJMoRhb2oyNeM-2FcljueGrqKFILtw-2BUtBDCZc-2B7jSduJFzsW9AulIlN6LxBL7HMT0exepcO4pkmej2GtFRoCupl1i6eIPapZS9H34M3YuKfnhjfmH2inm5NS0WS6OD2fIdS1-2FTZ1sFOs8wkRVur9eOfF2Rvt0ZkbrGgnAwCnNtjTVp7sBoRzZjVASKVEcDPTD-2B4DyQEr5HyqAtEBLV7BQSnpQLAHUqtlhVrHAVQI9t6-2BXigYrNNjJRel7m0ULFSHViFA6cBelgkdWKHD4apf4PhHcYUa6rftL7ZMUr949XctG0-2FpIxmxGry79RJunu2R6fsBieHQm4ufQfvrH8WJNRyEsGAtL672g2bc-3D , have concluded that marijuana use impairs the ability to drive safely," added Podguski. According to government data, alcohol and marijuana are the most widely used drugs in the United States - 139.8 million people aged 12 or older reported drinking alcohol in the past month, and 43.5 million reported using marijuana in the past year. Further normalizing this behavior, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for recreational use. And in 2021, 13 state legislatures are considering medical or adult-use marijuana legalization bills. AAA is committed to educating the public about the dangers of substance-impaired driving. Through AAA Foundation research, AAA is working to improve understanding of the topic and work collaboratively with safety stakeholders to reduce the impact of substance-impaired driving-related crashes. AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 73 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com (file:///C:/Users/e659879/Documents/news.eastcentral.aaa.com) . Follow us on Twitter 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