Seattle Injury Lawyer: The Dangers of Driving High

Washington State is one of the most lenient in the country when it comes to medical marijuana use and the decriminalization of pot. But despite what your opinion is on whether or not cannabis should be legalized, a new study about the drug has revealed that smoking marijuana and driving is dangerous regardless of the law.

According to researchers at Dalhousie University, smoking marijuana up to three hours before driving a car can almost double your chances of a serious car accident. The study, which looked at nine other studies regarding the topic, found that seven different surveys found that pot use increased the risk of a traffic accident while two other surveys found that pot use decreases the risk of a traffic accident.

Why does using cannabis put drivers at risk for accidents? Scientists say that drivers may follow cars too closely or swerve out of their lane. In addition, these drug users may become distracted from the road or too focused on one aspect of driving. Unlike alcohol, they explain, those under the influence of marijuana may not believe that they are impaired before getting behind the wheel.

If you have been injured in a Washington car accident that you believe involved a high driver or a driver using marijuana, you may wish to speak with a Seattle injury lawyer about your case. An attorney at the Andrew Kim Law Firm can answer all of your legal questions at a free, private consultation.