Forty years ago the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its first ever Drunk Driving Prevention campaign. Four decades later it is still critical to get the word out about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and how it can lead to deadly Connecticut auto accidents.
Since the time of the first Drunk Driving Prevention campaign, amid multiple efforts including those of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the number of deaths from this type of behavior has dropped by over 50%, an incredible feat.
In recent years, the addition of the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state of Connecticut has forced safety experts and advocates to turn their attention from only drunk driving prevention to impaired driving prevention which includes the dangers and risk associated with both alcohol and marijuana.
The first thing you should know about alcohol and marijuana is that they both have major effects on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Impaired driving of any kind can be a source of danger and lead to accidents that result in serious injuries and in some cases death. It is important to note that you should never operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.
Now for the important differences between the two substances. If you are someone who drinks alcohol and does not use marijuana or you are someone who does not drink alcohol but does use marijuana you will want to understand the differences between these two substances. If you are a user of both substances you should be aware of the impacts as well.
Alcohol has the following impact on your ability to operate a car safely:
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Consuming alcohol can affect your ability to divide your attention, detect signals, perceive hazards, decrease reaction time and concentrate.
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Those who are driving under the influence of alcohol have a tendency to underestimate risk.
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Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol often vary the speed at which they are traveling and find themselves weaving in and out of traffic.
Those drivers who are under the influence of marijuana have a tendency to experience the following:
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Those who have recently used marijuana will experience a diminished ability to perform all driving related tasks.
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Users of marijuana cannot estimate risk and impairment levels quite accurately.
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While users of marijuana will often travel at lower speeds and give themselves larger following distances, they are often found weaving in and out of lanes.
There are certainly similarities to using alcohol and marijuana, but there are also unique differences that present different dangers when driving a vehicle. Both substances can lead to circumstances that will make getting into a Connecticut auto accident more likely. When used together the results are often deadly.
Whether you were impaired while you were driving or not you may need an experienced attorney to review the situation of a crash you were involved in. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.
