BUFFALO, N.Y. — New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows concerning number of drivers in Washington state who were involved in fatal crashes are testing positive for recent use of marijuana.
AAA believes the increase raises important traffic safety concerns for drivers across the country and here in New York, where legalization is being considered.
Research from AAA found that between 2008 and 2012, five years before the drug was legal, an estimated 8.8% of drivers in Washington state were involved in deadly crashes were positive for THC. From 2013 and 2017, that rate rose to 18%.
In the five years before legalization, an average of 56 drivers involved in fatal crashes each year were THC-positive. Five years after legalization, the average jumped to 130.
"This study enabled us to review a full 10-years' worth of data about the potential impact of marijuana on driving safety- and it raises significant concerns," said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Results from the analysis suggest that legalization of recreational use of marijuana may increase the rate of THC-positive drivers involved in fatal crashes."
AAA says it opposes the legalization of marijuana for recreational use because of its inherent traffic safety risks.
Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana use, and another 22 states have legalized it for medical use only. As state legislative sessions for 2020 get underway, recreational use is expected to be a big topic, with states taking a hard look at the issue.
AAA believes states that have legalized marijuana should not rely on an arbitrary legal limit to determine if a driver is impaired. Instead, it should use a two-pronged approach that requires a positive test for marijuana use and behavioral and physiological evidence of driver impairment.
To read the full study, click here.