Legalized Marijuana States See Reduced Traffic Fatalities

One of the first arguments against legalizing marijuana was the concern of motorists driving under the influence. Since marijuana stays in the system so long, there is no simple test like a breathalyzer to catch a driver who is high.

Those familiar with the effects were quick to point out that marijuana users are far less impaired than those under the influence of alcohol, but the naysayers were not convinced. Perhaps the news reported by Reuters will change their minds. It seems the traffic death tolls have fallen in the states that have legalized marijuana.

Two studies have ben completed. The previous study, published in 2013, showed traffic fatalities dropped 8-11% in the first full year after legalization. (This study included 19 states). The latest study shows an 11% drop in average after analyzing data from 1985 through 2014 from 28 states.

They are quick to remind us that correlation does not confirm cause and effect. There could be many explanations. They suggest the possibility that marijuana users are more aware of being impaired (when they are) and might choose not to drive. Perhaps they stay home and get high rather than going to the bars. Maybe the police presence has increased. The point is, they don’t know why. All they know is that the data shows legalizing marijuana for medical use has benefitted the public rather than harming it as many feared it would.

This study does contradict some earlier reports such as a 2014 news release from Colorado stating a 100% increase over 5 years in “marijuana-related traffic deaths”. This claim is derived from comparing 39 traffic deaths in 2007 to 78 traffic deaths in 2012. They claim the drivers tested positive for marijuana. But again, if someone smokes or ingests marijuana it can take up to 40 days to clear the system. So calling these deaths marijuana-related was questionable and obvious fear mongering, especially when the overall traffic death rate fell 14.8% during that period.

Further studies will have to be conducted to determine exactly why the data shows a decrease in fatalities and whether the trend will continue as some states are beginning to show a small rise occurring as time goes by. It will also be interesting to see the results of recreation legalization.

But in the meantime, one can’t help but wonder if at least some of the change is due to a decrease in road rage. Is it possible that marijuana use is mellowing out American drivers?  If an attitude of “don’t worry, be happy” keeps us safe on the road, who’s to say that’s a bad thing?

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By Allene Edwards

Allene Edwards first became interested in alternative medicine and holistic treatment modalities when she successfully used diet therapy to manage her children’s ADHD. Later when she became chronically ill with an auto-immune disease that multiple doctors could not identify, much less cure, she successfully treated both the symptoms and the cause through naturopathic treatment and nutrition. She is the Managing Editor of Organic Lifestyle Magazine and a regular contributor.