‘4/20 Day’ creates High Stakes on the Road

AAA reports that the national cannabis holiday ‘4/20’ can mean high stakes on our nation’s roadways. Recent AAA research revealed an alarming statistic: about 85% of cannabis users admit to driving the same day after consumption.

“No matter the legality or medical prescription of cannabis, taking the wheel while impaired by its effects is not only unlawful but extremely dangerous,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Think about it – when cruising on cloud nine, your reaction time, sharpness, and judgment can take a serious hit. Zipping around in that zoned-out zone means you’re making the road unsafe for everyone else.”

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety used surveys to better understand cannabis consumers’ behaviors and perceptions of themselves. A few key themes emerged from survey respondents who are confirmed cannabis consumers:

• Daily and frequent consumption – 44.1% said they consume cannabis multiple times per day
• Driving regularly – 57.8% indicated that they drive daily
• Consuming then driving is common – 84.8% revealed that they drive the same day that they consume cannabis, with 53% saying they consumed an hour or less before driving
• Believe consumption has little effect on driving – 46.9% believe they either drive the same, a little better (14.7%), or much better (19.4%)
• Cannabis industry carries weight – 38.6% said they would trust messaging about cannabis use and safe driving from cannabis industry groups and cannabis brands/companies (37.3%)

“The road requires clear heads, not clouded minds,” said Waiters. “If you plan to celebrate 4/20, find a safe ride before taking any impairing substances. This is critical so drivers do not have to decide if they’re sober enough to drive.”

The effort to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired driving and other risky behaviors behind the wheel is part of AAA – The Auto Club Group’s new traffic safety campaign, “Crashes Hit Different.” On average, someone is killed in a car crash every 12 minutes on our nation’s roads, primarily due to four factors: impaired driving, distractions, not buckling up, and speed. By partnering with roadway safety organizations, community groups, and drivers themselves, AAA aims to prevent these senseless tragedies.

Find more AAA information regarding cannabis-impaired driving here.

Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.