BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — In July 2018 Vermont’s new marijuana law went into effect, which allows for adults 21 and older to use, possess, or cultivate limited amounts of marijuana. It has been proven that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects — slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
Because some states have seen an increase in cannabis-related fatalities post-legalization, Great Falls Connections contacted Lt. John Flannigan from the Vermont State Police to see if Vermont has seen any changes. He provided data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association from a report that was released in May 2018. This report shows a national upward trend of substances being found in drivers involved in fatal crashes. Forty-four percent of fatally injured drivers who were tested for drugs had positive results in 2016, up more than 50 percent compared with a decade ago. More than half the drivers tested positive for marijuana, opioids or a combination of the two.
“The impaired driving problem goes beyond alcohol and cannabis, drivers need to be cautious on impairing regulated pharmaceutical drugs,” Lt. John Flannigan of the Vermont State Police said, “especially when mixed with other substances that can have an additive and adverse effect.” Vermont’s Driving Under the Influence (DUI) law is based on “impairment to the slightest degree”.
Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is impaired driving, which means it is dangerous. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other road users. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is spreading the word to drivers that if you are impaired by drugs and thinking about driving, pass your key on to a sober driver. Their new campaign is called, “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.”
Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for “playing it safe:”
If a driver has ingested an impairing substance, such as prescription drugs, sleep medication, marijuana, or any form of illegal drug, he or she should not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car with them.
If you are drug-impaired, pass the key to a sober driver who can safely drive you to your final destination. Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.
Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone—they’ll thank you later.
Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android or Apple/iOS devices. This app allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
Forty-seven percent of fatally injured drivers in Vermont tested for drugs had positive results in 2017. Lt. Flannigan said, “Just because cannabis is legal, doesn’t make it safe. THC is an impairing substance and can have an effect on one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.”
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