Those who drink and use marijuana are some of the most dangerous drivers on the road. That's according to a AAA survey.
Data pulled from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey shows users of both are most likely to take risks when behind the wheel than those who don't.
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Respondents to the survery say they have used both alcohol and marijuana in th last month and some reported using both. The survey shows these significant increases in dangerous behaviors of the drivers:
Speeding on residential streets (55%) vs. alcohol-only (35%)
Aggressive driving (52%) vs. alcohol-only (28%)
Intentional red-light running (48%) vs alcohol-only (32%)
Texting while driving (40%) vs. alcohol-only (21%)
"These data show the alarming impact of alcohol and marijuana use on the choices motorists make when they get behind the wheel," says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs, AAA East Central. "From choosing to drive impaired, to driving distracted, running red lights, or speeding, using these two drugs leads to poor decision-making with potentially fatal consequences."
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Data shows that alcohol and marijuana are the most widely used drugs in the nation with nearly 140 million peole ages 12 and older admitting to drinking alcohol in the last month. Almost 45 million report using marijuana in the last year.
"With 4/20 approaching, it's worth noting that marijuana use can inhibit concentration, slow reaction times, and cloud judgment. Its effects vary by individual, but several studies, including one that AAA released in 2020, have concluded that marijuana use impairs the ability to drive safely," said Podguski.