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  4.  » Drugged driving and the holiday season: What to know

Drugged driving and the holiday season: What to know

On Behalf of | Dec 8, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Many people don’t think about the decriminalization of marijuana can affect their safety on the road. The fact is that impairment from marijuana can negatively affect a person’s ability to drive. Marijuana slows a person’s reaction time and makes it difficult to remain safe. 

As the holiday season marches on, all drivers must remember that their only priority is driving safely once they get behind the wheel. For some, this may mean making sure they leave ample time between using or consuming marijuana and getting behind the wheel.

How long should drivers wait to leave?

It takes at least six hours for it to be safe to drive if a person smokes marijuana that contains less than 35 mg of THC. That time increases to at least eight hours if you consume marijuana that has a THC content of less than 18 mg by mouth (such as through edibles). Higher TC content or the addition of alcohol increase the time it will take before a person can safely drive. 

What should drivers do this holiday season?

Watching for signs of driver impairment, such as swerving or stopping suddenly, is crucial for all drivers. Try to avoid those vehicles so you can make it to your destination safely. Unfortunately, this isn’t always going to prevent crashes because the other driver may still slam into you. 

Individuals who are struck by a driver who’s consumed drugs can seek compensation for your losses. This can help them to recover the money they had to spend on medical care and other expenses that are attributable to the crash. They can also include damages for missed wages and certain other points. Working with someone familiar with these cases is beneficial.