AAA Study Highlights Concerns Over Cannabis-Impaired Driving
A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that cannabis-impaired driving is becoming increasingly common in the United States, raising concerns about road safety.
Cannabis is the third most commonly used substance in the country, following nicotine and alcohol. With cannabis consumption legal in some form across 38 states — 24 allowing recreational use and 14 permitting medical use only — impaired driving incidents linked to cannabis are on the rise.
The AAA study analyzed cannabis consumers’ perceptions and behaviors regarding impaired driving. Key findings include:
- 44.1% of respondents reported consuming cannabis multiple times per day.
- 57.8% indicated they drive daily.
- 84.8% admitted to driving the same day they consumed cannabis, with 53% consuming within an hour of driving.
- 46.9% believed cannabis consumption had little to no effect on their driving, while some believed it improved their driving.
- Cannabis consumers showed greater trust in messaging about safe driving from cannabis industry groups (38.6%) and cannabis brands (37.3%).
The study also explored how to craft effective messages to deter cannabis-impaired driving. Participants responded better to messages that emphasized personal responsibility and safety over legal risks. Positive, realistic, and diverse messaging resonated most, while exaggerated stereotypes were less effective.
Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy, emphasized the need for messaging that reflects real-world scenarios and credible voices.
“Individuals who consume cannabis come from all walks of life and that should be reflected in the messaging,” Nelson said.
AAA recommends policymakers partner with cannabis industry groups and traffic safety organizations to develop educational campaigns addressing the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving.
