Comparing the Risks: Driving High vs. Driving Drunk

There is a common debate surrounding the comparative dangers of smoking cannabis and driving versus drinking and driving. While both are equally perilous, understanding the unique risks and legal implications of each can help emphasize why avoiding both is the best course of action.

Risk and Impairment

When it comes to the impact on driving capabilities, many believe there is a reduced reaction time involved in smoking cannabis. However, this reduced reaction time is not comparable to the pronounced effects of alcohol on driving.

The primary difference lies in the nature of intoxication:

Drugs (Cannabis): The psychoactive effects of cannabis can vary widely based on the form. Edibles, for instance, are especially challenging to dose accurately, leading to potential overconsumption and a high that can mimic intoxication from alcohol. Drinking (Alcohol): Alcohol impacts reaction time, judgment, and coordination almost immediately and in a consistent, measurable way. The legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% is high enough to significantly impair driving ability, making it almost impossible to avoid detection if involved in an accident.

Legal Implications and Statistics

From a legal standpoint, being impaired by any substance while driving can have severe consequences. The impairment from cannabis is recognized by the law just as heavily as alcohol intoxication. This recognition underscores the importance of not driving under the influence of either substance.

Studies have shown that the number of accidents linked to drug use, including cannabis, is a matter of significant concern, especially as they often go unnoticed in DUI-related incidents. When testing is conducted, drug use, including cannabis, can be detected, leading to serious legal consequences.

Evidence from Scientific Studies

Research conducted in the 1960s and 1970s has provided insights into the effects of different substances on driving capability. A systematic study examining various levels of alcohol consumption (or its absence) found no discernible difference in driving performance until reaching a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit.

These studies focused primarily on driving capability and did not address reflexes or psychological behavior after consuming alcohol. While it is known that fatigue (due to lack of sleep, long hours of driving, or systematic fatigue) significantly impairs driving, the specific effects of cannabis are more complex.

Long-term Impacts and Accidents

Psychological and physical impairments resulting from cannabis use can last longer than the immediate effects of alcohol. Regular cannabis use has been associated with a substantial increase in accident risk, with studies indicating that drivers who use cannabis are about three and a half million times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to the general population's base risk of one in five million.

Moreover, combining cannabis and alcohol can exacerbate these risks, significantly increasing the likelihood of a traffic accident. The long-lasting effects of cannabis on driving can last over 24 hours, whereas the effects of alcohol wear off much more quickly, often within an hour per 10ml of pure alcohol, equating to around two hours per standard drink.

The challenge in comparing the two lies in their unique profiles and long-term impacts. While alcohol causes greater immediate measurable impairment, its effects are short-lived, whereas cannabis can produce adverse effects for a longer period. This makes it difficult to provide a definitive answer on their relative risks.

It is crucial to recognize that while some individuals who drive under the influence of cannabis might never be involved in a serious incident, the overall risk for the population as a whole is significant. In New Zealand, cannabis is responsible for approximately 10 to 15% of road fatalities, highlighting the critical need to avoid both substances when driving.

Avoiding Risk: A Responsible Approach

To mitigate the risks, the safest course of action is to never drive under the influence of either cannabis or alcohol. Compliance with the law and personal responsibility are key to ensuring road safety.

Always remember that driving under the influence, whether from cannabis or alcohol, is not only irresponsible but can have severe, often fatal consequences. By adhering to these guidelines, we can work towards safer roads for everyone.