This article contains findings of a study conducted to investigate the relationship between substance abuse by drivers and accident risks on the roads. The drug investigated by the researchers is marijuana. They investigated its impact on drivers. I have chosen this article because it addresses an epidemic that is threatening the lives of Americans. This epidemic is driving under the influence of substances. The epidemic has impacted negatively on government efforts to improve road safety in the country. According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the number of Americans driving under the influence of illegal substances has risen drastically. Annual survey on drug use in America indicates a sharp rise in the number of people driving under the influence of drugs. According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, marijuana is the most commonly detected drug among fatally injured drivers tested for drugs after a motor vehicle accident (Brady, DiMaggio, Lusardi, Tzong, and Li, 2011). This article also provides reliable evidence from nine epidemiological studies. The evidence can be used to guide policy decisions regarding the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
This study was conducted at Columbia University. The findings indicate that people who use marijuana are highly likely to cause a motor vehicle crash. Furthermore, driving within four hours of marijuana consumption increases the risk of a road crash. The risk of a crash is also related to the number of marijuana compounds in the driver’s body.
The researchers conducted nine epidemiological studies. Eight of them established a strong causal relationship between marijuana consumption and increased road carnage. Tests are usually conducted to ascertain whether the accident was caused by the influence of substances. A significant percentage of fatally injured drivers are normally found to have been under the influence of substances while driving. Marijuana is the most commonly detected nonalcoholic drug among drivers fatally injured in motor vehicle accidents.
This article is important because it provides compelling evidence that establishes a relationship between the use of marijuana among drivers and crash risk. The epidemiologic data provided by research can be used to infer causality. Eight studies provide consistent results. Only one study is not consistent with the others. This consistency improves the validity and reliability of this research. However, further research is needed to establish causality. More evidence is needed to create a causal relationship between marijuana consumption and safety on our roads. The establishment of a strong causal relationship is likely to have a significant impact on public policy.
The research will play a critical role in guiding public policy related to the use of medicinal marijuana. There is a serious epidemic of driving under the influence of drugs in America. Increased availability and permissibility of medical marijuana have exacerbated this epidemic. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the role marijuana plays in motor vehicle crashes in America. This understanding can be used to guide public policy. Advocates of the legalization of marijuana believe that marijuana is less harmful than other substances such as alcohol and tobacco. However, this research provides a significant argument against the legalization of marijuana in America. The legalization of marijuana would compromise efforts to improve road safety in the country. The availability of marijuana for medical purposes should be controlled to improve road safety.
Reference
Brady, J.E., DiMaggio, C.J., Lusardi, A.R., Tzong, K.Y., & Li, G. (2011). Marijuana Use and Motor Vehicle Crashes. Epidemiologic Reviews, 34(1), 65-72.