The second most common drug to cause vehicle collisions is:
A. LSD B. Ecstasy C. Marijuana D. Cocaine E. Heroin
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Marijuana.
Marijuana is the second most common drug involved in vehicle collisions, after alcohol. Studies have shown that THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, can significantly impair cognitive and motor skills required for safe driving. When THC enters the bloodstream, it affects brain areas responsible for attention, memory, coordination, and reaction time. These impairments, especially when combined with the confidence some users feel about driving under its influence, increase the risk of accidents.
One of the primary issues with marijuana and driving is the alteration of perception. Drivers under the influence of marijuana often have slowed reaction times and may misjudge distances, which can be especially dangerous in traffic. Unlike alcohol, where impairment levels can be more predictably measured through blood alcohol concentration (BAC), THC metabolization varies widely among individuals. This variability makes it challenging to assess impairment, as THC levels do not consistently correlate with the degree of impairment.
Studies, including those conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), suggest that drivers under the influence of marijuana are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to sober drivers. While this risk is lower than that associated with alcohol, marijuana-impaired drivers still pose a significant public safety concern. When marijuana is combined with alcohol, the likelihood of a collision increases even further, as the effects of both substances intensify impairment.
Given the rise in marijuana legalization, understanding and addressing its impact on driving is critical for reducing road accidents. Public awareness campaigns and law enforcement measures aim to educate users about the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana, promoting safer driving behaviors and reducing accident rates.