As more states approve recreational marijuana, AAA warns against driving under influence
Across the United States, 24 states allow recreational use of marijuana and cannabis, while another 14 allow it for medical use only.
AAA, the Auto Club Group, said that as the use of cannabis goes up, drivers should still avoid using it before hitting the road.
According to a new report from the automotive organization, cannabis is the third most used substance in the U.S.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The organization said that because more people are using cannabis in the country, 'this form of impaired driving has become more common, leading to a heightened risk of crashes, injuries and fatalities.'
While recreational marijuana use is not legal in Georgia, the state does permit medical use, meaning it is one of the overall 38 states AAA mentioned in their warning.
TRENDING STORIES:
4 charged in death of 5-year-old boy 'incinerated' in hyperbaric chamber explosion
Atlanta police confirm arrest of man accused of slashing homeless tents
Worker severely burns 9-month-old baby at DeKalb County daycare, mother says
'While AAA remains neutral on the legal status of marijuana, we strongly oppose people driving under the influence of the drug,' Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA, said. 'The effects of marijuana can profoundly compromise one's ability to safely control a vehicle, presenting a danger that we find deeply troubling.'
To better understand how cannabis is impacting drivers, AAA used two studies to look at driver behaviors and how they view themselves.
AAA said the following 'themes emerged' among respondents who said they did use cannabis:
Daily and frequent consumption – 44.1% said they consume cannabis multiple times per day
Driving regularly – 57.8% indicated that they drive daily
Consuming then driving is common – 84.8% revealed that they drive the same day that they consume cannabis, with 53% saying they consumed an hour or less before driving
Believe consumption has little effect on driving – 46.9% believe they either drive the same, a little better (14.7%), or much better (19.4%)
The cannabis industry carries weight – 38.6% said they would trust messaging about cannabis use and safe driving from cannabis industry groups and cannabis brands/companies (37.3%)
In the second survey, which focused on messaging related to cannabis use, AAA said those surveyed found some more engaging than others:
Messages highlighting personal responsibility and safety concerns performed better than those based on legal risks.
Participants also strongly preferred realistic, positive, and diverse messaging that avoided exaggerated stereotypes.
To ensure relevancy, messages should be tailored to the intended audience (no one-size-fits-all).
Additionally, AAA said their research showed the cannabis industry is trusted by its consumers and recommended that policymakers partner up with them for more impactful messaging about dangerous driving habits.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Over 400K driver's license suspensions removed under new Ohio law
Over 400,000 Ohio drivers have had their license suspensions removed under a new Ohio law. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] House Bill 29 was implemented by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles as of May 9. The bill eliminates certain debt-related driver's license suspensions, waives reinstatement fees, and reduces long-standing penalties. It limits the court's authority to impose suspensions for drug offenses with the following exceptions: OVIs and if the offender used a vehicle to facilitate the commission of a drug offense. TRENDING STORIES: Former NFL receiver Antonio Brown sought on attempted murder charge Have you seen her? Police searching for missing 40-year-old woman Road closures expected as almost 600K pound 'superload' moves through Miami Valley The bill also eliminates reinstatement fees for eligible drivers. Over $8 million in fees have been forgiven in the month since the bill was implemented, according to a media release. More information on the bill can be found here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
2 cats test positive for rabies in DeKalb County
Two dead cats have tested positive for rabies recently in DeKalb County, county officials reported Thursday. DeKalb County said one cat tested positive at Maryland Drive in Doraville. The other one tested positive at Cedar Ridge Trail in Stone Mountain. The county said it's not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases each year. Rabies in endemic to Georgia, and the virus is present all year long. The Georgia Department of Health says rabies is usually reported in wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats. These animals sometimes infect dogs, cats and livestock through bites. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Pet owners are urged to make sure their animals are vaccinated for rabies. Also, children should make sure not to handle wild or stray domestic animals. The Georgia Department of Health said it's a misperception that rabid animals are easily identified by drooling and foaming at the mouth. Instead, infected animals may stagger, appear restless, be aggressive, have difficulty walking, seem overly friendly or appear to be choking. TRENDING STORIES: Former 'RHOA' star Kim Zolciak, ex-Atlanta Falcon Kroy Biermann removed from mansion, court docs say Man's death deemed 'justifiable homicide' after confronting wife at Buckhead apartment, police say Rick Ross Car Show causes traffic troubles at another event miles away There is no cure for rabies in animals once symptoms have developed. Rabies can be prevented in humans if medical care is sought quickly after an exposure. Thoroughly clean the wound immediately with soap and water, and call your doctor as soon as possible. Those who are concerned about possible rabies exposure can call the Georgia Poison Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week: Atlanta 404-616-9000 or statewide 800-282-5846. Information can also be obtained from local health departments and animal rabies control officers. For more information about rabies, visit the Georgia Department of Health website. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
‘We paid for that peace': Oakland residents furious after the city removed their DIY speed bumps ‘overnight'
Frustrated by chronic speeding and dangerous sideshows tearing through their neighborhood, residents of an Oakland neighborhood took matters into their own hands — installing DIY speed bumps after feeling ignored by city officials. But their grassroots solution sparked controversy when city crews tore them out, reigniting debate over citizen-led traffic calming measures. 'We've had peace for the past eight months, a hard peace," Oakland man Michael Andemeskel told NBC Bay Area. "We paid for that peace with our labor and money and then the city overnight took it away without excuse and without notice.' What prompted residents to come with their own plan and why did the city rip it away? Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) A 2023 AAA study found that nearly 60% of American drivers admit to engaging in risky driving behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving and aggressive maneuvers. These behaviors, AAA says, aren't limited to highways but also occur in neighborhood settings, where they can be particularly disruptive and dangerous. For months, residents of the Oakland neighborhood watched as their street became a hotspot for reckless driving and illegal sideshows — events where drivers perform dangerous stunts like donuts and drifts. After multiple calls and complaints to city officials produced no concrete results, neighbors banded together. Pooling their own money, they collectively spent $3,000 building several speed bumps along their street in an effort to curtail dangerous driving. Residents say their project was verbally approved by the city's Department of Transportation Director. Confident in their community-backed solution, they believed this would finally end the dangerous driving. Besides, Andemeskel says, the residents were told a planned repaving years down the road would give the city and residents time to find a solution that works for everyone. "So we're like, 'OK, we can work with that,'' Andemeskel told the news outlet. 'Within eight years, we can figure out a solution that makes everyone happy, right?" Unfortunately, the residents' relief was short-lived. Earlier this month, city workers abruptly removed the homemade speed bumps, citing safety concerns. Residents were outraged. Not only had their efforts been dismantled, but multiple neighbors reported the dangerous driving returned a day later. The sudden reversal sparked confusion and frustration among residents who felt betrayed by the city's apparent reversal of their earlier support. Oakland City Councilmember Charlene Wang, now representing their neighborhood, says residents and her staff weren't warned before the city removed the bumps. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it "It is exactly these kinds of quick build, cheap, easy street treatments that I ran on, especially in face of a budget deficit, of being smart, being resourceful," Wang told NBC Bay Area. "The fact that the residents did that, I think that's pretty remarkable." Josh Rowan, Oakland's transportation director, says city officials sympathize with residents' woes but warned that makeshift deterrents can be dangerous. "The behaviors that frustrate everyone frustrate us too," Rowan told KTVU. "When it comes to solutions, their solutions are increasing risk on the street." Rowan says cars have swerved out of traffic lanes because of the speed bumps, escalating the risks neighbors sought to reduce. "We want to get solutions that are solving these problems," Rowan says, adding the city was exploring additional measures to calm the activity. 'But they keep getting out in front of us. And that's not helping either us or them." If you have similar challenges in your neighborhood, consider these steps before spending any money out of your — or your neighbors' — pockets: Document the problems: Capture videos and photos to prove the extent of reckless driving. Petition the city: Organize and submit formal petitions demanding traffic calming measures. Engage local officials: Regularly attend city council meetings, engage representatives and keep pressure for official action. Request official traffic studies: Push local transportation departments to conduct traffic studies to officially document the issue and expedite solutions. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
