Marijuana Users Are Safer Drivers Than Non-Marijuana Users, New Study Shows

[Timmahh]

Marijuana Users Are Safer Drivers Than Non-Marijuana Users, New Study Shows

 

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9375729.htm

 

In a recent study, 4AutoinsuranceQuote.org, a national quote provider for online car insurance quotes, cites a strong correlation between traffic-related accidents and marijuana use. The study, which looks at statistics regarding accidents, traffic violations, and insurance prices, seeks to dispel the thought that “driving while stoned” is dangerous.

In the study, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org points out that the only significant effect that marijuana has on operating a motor vehicle is slower driving. 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org says, while referencing a study by the US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), that driving slower “is arguably a positive thing” and that driving under the influence of marijuana “might even make you a safer driver.” A similar study by the NHTSA shows that drivers with THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) in their system have accident responsibility rates below that of drug free drivers.

In fact, a recent study shows that use of medical marijuana has caused traffic related fatalities to drop by up to nine percent in states that have legalized its use. This study, titled “Medical Marijuana Laws, Traffic Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption”, conducted by Mark Anderson and Daniel Rees in November 2011, shows that increased marijuana use amongst adults has decreased alcohol related traffic deaths in said states. This study provides solid evidence that marijuana is not only a safe substitute for alcohol, but it also makes for more safer drivers.

“Marijuana users often say that when they are high, they feel like they are driving 80 miles per hour but actually are only going 30 miles per hour,” 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org CEO James Shaffer says, “when somebody is drunk driving, on the other hand, they often feel like they are driving 30 miles per hour but are actually driving 80 miles per hour. This is what makes alcohol dangerous behind the wheel, and marijuana safe.”

As an auto insurance quote provider, 4autoinsurancequote.org says that marijuana use can also have an indirect effect on insurance rates. Because of the correlation between marijuana use and accident responsibility rates, they say, marijuana users, as a whole, can expect to see lower insurance rates than non-marijuana users.

“The hypocrisy of it all is that if you get caught driving under the influence of marijuana, you will be fined and perhaps thrown into jail. What's worse is that your insurance rates will definitely increase due to the traffic violation,” says Mr. Shaffer, “What law enforcement agencies and insurers do not understand is that driving while high is actually a safe activity. I guess the key to safer driving is to use marijuana, but to do it under-wraps.”

4AutoInsuranceQuote.org is an auto insurance quote provider operating out of Manhattan, NY. In business since 2008, they offer free insurance quotes online to United States users. In addition, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org releases reports and studies on the automobile and insurance industries. Recent reports released by them include “How Biking Instead Of Driving Can Help You Save On Auto Insurance,” “How Does Your Income Affect Your Insurance Rates?” and “Women Are Bad Drivers – Fact or Fiction?”

[cristinew]

driving 34 years cannabis use 36 years, 0 accidents, i a very lucky,

[Irishgreen]

I am with you Christinew...Cannabis user 20 yrs, driver 22 years. 0 accidents I, too count my luck..

[mike44]

I have to agree that a person who is used to using marijuana, would be a safer driver.

I have been driving 36 years, and using mj for a little longer than that. My first and only accident was about a month ago, absolutely not my fault though. The person that hit me was fighting with their spouse and made an illegal high speed turn. I did prevent this accident from being much more severe, and have prevented many accidents from happening over the years.

I do believe someone who is not used to the effects of mj can be distracted while driving though. I base that opinion on the fact that when I was 16 my girlfriend at the time plowed into the back of a parked car after smoking some Columbian gold. She had only smoked mj a couple times before that and was not used to the effects.

[+wolfgang]

driving 34 years cannabis use 36 years, 0 accidents, i a very lucky,

Luck?I would just say your a good driver.period.I know I am always more cautious. Now back in my drinking days, I would say it was luck I never had an accident and even more lucky I never got a Dui or hurt anyone under the influence.

[Reaper]

I've been saying this for years! 1 accident...NOT STONED!