Motor Vehicle Crashes/Fatalities
A primary concern pertaining to the legalization of recreational marijuana pertains to motor vehicle crashes and fatalities. Since driving represents an active task, drivers must be physically and cognitively at a high-performance level. Since marijuana affects cognition and reduces reaction time, its use definitively affects driving capabilities. This section will focus on crash and fatality rates not only by strict numbers but also in relation to legalization.
Supporting Articles
The association between marijuana and motor vehicle crashes
Fowles, R. & Loeb, P.D. (2021). The association between marijuana and motor vehicle crashes. Journal of Transport & Health, 21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101043
Understanding patterns in Marijuana impaired traffic crashes
Das, S., Tran, L., & Theel, M. (2020). Understanding patterns in Marijuana impaired traffic crashes. Journal of Substance Use, 26. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2020.1760381
Changes in Traffic Crash Rates After Legalization of Marijuana: Results by Crash Severity
Farmer, C. M., Monfort, S. S., & Woods, A. N. (2022). Changes in Traffic Crash Rates After Legalization of Marijuana: Results by Crash Severity. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. https://www.iihs.org/topics/bibliography/ref/2229#button