Is Marijuana as Dangerous as Alcohol for Drivers?

The effects and serious consequences of driving while impaired by alcohol are widely known. What may not be as appreciated is the similar effect that marijuana can have on drivers. Due to this, driving while high does not carry the same stigma as driving while drunk does. As the recreational use of marijuana products becomes more popular, it is important to highlight the underappreciated road safety concerns that are raised by driving while high.

Driving under the influence of marijuana, even for someone who is normally a skilled and cautious driver, can significantly impair their ability to operate their vehicle safely in several ways. Firstly, it can impair the driver’s reaction time. A high driver may experience an altered perception of time and feel as though they have a longer chance to react to road hazards such as breaking cars, changing lights, crossing pedestrians, etc. Their spatial perception may also be affected which can lead to a driver making risky decisions such as merging with traffic when it is not safe to do so or following too close.

Another symptom of marijuana is difficulties in focus and concentration. A high driver may have trouble staying focused on the road while processing multiple stimuli. This leaves them at a heightened vulnerability for distraction by things such as incoming text messages, chatting passengers or sights passing by their window, all of which divert their attention away from the road.

Fatigue is another side effect of marijuana use. Even slight drowsiness can dramatically impair a driver’s ability to keep their vehicle under control or stay alert to respond to hazards quickly.

Aside from the dangers of driving while high, the legal consequences are significant. Police can use roadside testing such as standard field sobriety tests and oral fluid screening devices that allow them to easily test for cannabis in drivers.  Much like for alcohol, there is a zero-tolerance standard for having consumed marijuana for commercial drivers, drivers under the age of 21, and those who have a G1 or G2 class licence. Any cannabis found in these drivers’ systems can result in license suspensions and high monetary fines. As for non-commercial drivers holding class G licenses the prohibited level of cannabis is 2 nanograms of THC pel milligram of blood. Visit Cannabis and driving | ontario.ca for more information about legal prohibitions on driving while high.

It is not a constructive exercise to compare the effects of alcohol and marijuana on drivers from a perspective of which one is more/less dangerous. Both substances can impair your ability to drive creating dangers for you and those you share the road with. When engaging with alcohol or cannabis, the safest course is always to arrange a sober (and safe) drive home.

If you have been injured by a driver who you suspect was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision, please contact our office to discuss your options.