Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

TALK TO AN EXPERT

MENU

PRACTICE AREAS

Oregon Attorney Discusses Marijuana Use and Impaired Driving

Portland auto accident attorneyThe cannabis industry has taken hold of many parts of the United States, including here in Portland. Marijuana is now legal in 33 states for medical use and 10 states for recreational use. 

If used irresponsibly, it can carry risksespecially when users get behind the wheel. This problem is more common than you might think — at any given moment, you could be sharing the road with someone who is under the influence of marijuana. 

The prevalence of impaired driving

Researchers from the University of Michigan Addiction Center conducted a survey of Michigan adults seeking to obtain medical marijuana certification or recertification in 2014 and 2015. The study found that about one in five medical marijuana patients reported driving under the influence of cannabis within the past six months.  

Out of all respondents in the study: 

  • 56 percent said they have driven within two hours of using cannabis 
  • 51 percent reported that they had driven while mildly high 
  • 21 percent reported that they had driven while very high 

According to The Verge, studies surrounding traffic accident trends in states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use have shown an increase in fatalities by one additional death per one million people.  

Additionally, neighboring states that haven’t legalized recreational cannabis have experienced an increase in traffic fatalities within the first six months of legalization. The fatality rate dropped back down to usual levels after the first year. 

As research suggests, a temporary spike in road deaths after marijuana legalization may be due to new users being inexperienced with using cannabis. Many users may simply underestimate the potency of cannabis products before getting behind the wheel. 

Holding negligent drivers accountable

Until further research is done, there is currently not enough available data suggesting that marijuana legalization has a profound impact on car accidents. There is also no current method available to determine if someone is driving under the influence of cannabis. After an accident occurs, police may be able to determine intoxication by administering a blood test. 

What we do know is the THC found in cannabis can impact drivers’ motor functions, judgment, reaction time, concept of distance and time, and may even cause drowsiness. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash with an impaired driver, contact Zbinden & Curtis, Attorneys At Law to discuss the legal options available to you. 

Latest Posts

Archives

Free Injury Case Evaluation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Practice Areas

Environmental Factors in Auto Accident Settlement Negotiations: Considering Climate and Infrastructure

In the event of an auto accident, how much of the damage can be placed on the bad weather? How liable are you for...

Understanding No-Fault Insurance in Oregon: How It Impacts Auto Accident Claims

Understanding no-fault insurance in Oregon is essential for drivers, especially in the event of an auto accident....

What’s the Role of Dashcams in Auto Accident Cases?

With clear video evidence, insurers can assess and process claims more efficiently and reduce the time it takes to resolve disputes....

Challenges and Strategies in Hit-and-Run Auto Accident Cases

Dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Oregon presents unique challenges, from identifying the fleeing driver to dealing with insurance complexities. Our article provides insights...

Liability for Slip and Falls in Hotel Bathrooms and Restrooms: Special Considerations

At Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law, we would like to help clients understand the risks of hotel bathrooms, their rights when accidents occur,...

Recent News & Updates: Oregon’s Protocols for Slip and Fall Cases

Stay updated on Oregon's evolving courtroom protocols for slip and fall cases. Learn how leveraging modern technology can bolster your personal injury claim with...