Medical marijuana is now legal in 22 states, including the state of Michigan. Many other states have decriminalized marijuana, such as Colorado. Around one dozen towns in Michigan also have measures on the ballot which decriminalize marijuana. Driving a vehicle while under the influence remains a concern among many safety advocates, and the number of highway deaths have decreased drastically, moving from 50,000 a year in 1980 to 30,000 every year currently. Each year, there are also 10,000 alcohol-related traffic deaths, and new research shows less restrictions may cause the number of deaths to increase. Research by Columbia University determined that one in eight traffic fatalities in 2010 were the result of marijuana. Marijuana has also factored into more deaths in Colorado. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently finished a three-year study on how pot influences driving performance. The results may reveal more important information on the dangers of driving while under the influence of marijuana. These studies are necessary in order to inform future policies and regulations involving driver safety. With the recent legalization of marijuana in some states, it’s important to study the effects and how to best prevent fatalities due to dangerous driving, according to news reports.
The post Studies Help Determine Effects of Drugged Driving appeared first on Bernard Law Group.