We’ve all heard the warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving. But what about driving under the influence of marijuana? As marijuana becomes more widely legalized, the question of whether driving high is as dangerous as driving drunk is becoming more relevant than ever. So, let’s dive into the science and the facts behind this debate.
The Science Behind It
Alcohol and marijuana both affect the brain, but in very different ways. When you consume alcohol, it depresses the central nervous system, impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. With marijuana, the active ingredient, THC, affects the areas of the brain responsible for motor control, memory, and coordination. This leads to impaired driving abilities, but research suggests the degree of impairment differs between the two substances.
Driving Drunk
When you're driving under the influence of alcohol, your reaction time is significantly slowed. Alcohol can impair your ability to focus, judge distances, and make quick decisions. Studies have shown that alcohol-related crashes are far more likely to be fatal compared to those involving marijuana. Blood alcohol levels of 0.08%—the legal limit in many places—are considered to significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Driving High
Driving high, however, presents its own set of dangers. While marijuana generally causes slower reaction times and decreased motor coordination, studies have found that drivers under the influence of THC are more likely to drive cautiously, which could reduce the number of high-speed accidents. However, marijuana affects the brain’s ability to process information quickly, making tasks like overtaking another vehicle or adjusting to sudden changes in traffic more difficult.
Fun Fact: Historical Perception of Marijuana and Driving
Did you know that marijuana was once considered a legal, widely accepted medicine? In the early 20th century, marijuana was used in medicine for a variety of ailments. It wasn't until the 1930s, with the rise of anti-marijuana campaigns, that its use became stigmatized, and by the 1970s, marijuana was federally classified as a controlled substance. Despite its checkered history, research today is beginning to shed light on how marijuana affects driving, with many researchers pushing for a better understanding of the risks involved.
The Bottom Line: Not the Same, but Dangerous
So, is driving high as dangerous as driving drunk? In short, both are dangerous, but in different ways. Alcohol significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents, while marijuana, though impairing, often leads to more cautious driving. However, this doesn’t mean it's safe to drive under the influence of either substance. Just because marijuana might cause different impairments doesn’t mean the risks are any less serious. The best advice? If you’re impaired in any way—whether by alcohol, marijuana, or any other substance—don’t drive.
Conclusion: Safety First
As marijuana use becomes more widespread and laws evolve, it’s crucial to keep the conversation about impaired driving open and factual. Both drunk and high driving come with serious risks, so always err on the side of caution. It’s not just about following the law—it’s about keeping yourself and others safe on the road.