Did You Know Marijuana Legalization Has Increased Crash Rates?

Did You Know Marijuana Legalization Has Increased Crash Rates?

Did you know that crash rates jumped in the wake of marijuana legalization? A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has revealed this troubling trend. Below we will go over the data from the study revealing that marijuana legalization has increased crash rates. We will also provide information on Nevada DUI of marijuana laws to help you avoid becoming a statistic.

We hope the below information helps you stay safe on the road. If you are injured by a marijuana impaired driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you win your car accident case. Insurance companies are not motivated to pay you significant compensation. You need an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer to fight for your rights. Our personal injury lawyers offer decades of experience. We have 25 years of experience winning compensation in truck and car accident cases and many types of personal injury cases. Our team has the knowledge and expertise you need to receive the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries. This is the exact combination of knowledge and expertise you need to win your Las Vegas car accident case. Benefit from our car accident case experience: contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to schedule a free consultation.

For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Study

Marijuana legalization has increased crash rates. At least according to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In June 2021, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published the following study:

• Changes in Traffic Crash Rates After Legalization of Marijuana: Results by Crash Severity

The goal of the study was to estimate the effects of marijuana legalization on injury and fatal traffic crash rates. Specifically, in the United States from 2009 to 2019.

Study Method

The study modeled state-by-state quarterly crash rates per mile of travel as a function of the following:

• Time
• Unemployment rate
• Maximum posted speed limit
• Seat belt use rate
• Alcohol use rate
• Indicators of legalized recreational marijuana sales and use

The following five states comprised the five study groups:

• Colorado
• Washington
• Oregon
• California
• Nevada

Between 2012 and 2018, the above five states legalized recreational use of marijuana and legalized retail marijuana sales.

The study then used six other western states as a comparison group. The following six states made up the comparison group:

• Arizona
• Idaho
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Utah
• Wyoming

Study Results

The results of the study showed a significant increase in injury crash rates when compared with the comparison group. Notably, the study revealed the following:

• Legalization of the recreational use of marijuana was associated with a statistically significant 6.6 percent increase in injury crash rates.
• Legalization of the recreational use of marijuana was associated with a statistically nonsignificant 2.3 percent increase in fatal crash rates.
• The subsequent onset of retail marijuana sales did not elicit additional substantial increases to injury or fatal crash rates. Depending on the state, this onset was three to 18 months later.
• The combined effect of legalization and retail sales was a statistically significant 5.9 percent increase in injury crash rates. The combined effect was a nonsignificant 3.8 percent increase in fatal crash rates. However, these estimates varied by state.
• The effects of legal marijuana use and sales on injury crash rates ranged from a 7 percent decrease to an 18 percent increase.
• The effects on fatal crash rates ranged from an 8 percent decrease to a 4 percent increase.

Study Conclusions

The effects of marijuana legalization varied across states. Notably, the study found that:

• Estimated increases in injury and fatal crash rates after marijuana legalization are consistent with earlier studies, but they were not always statistically significant.
• National, state, and local governments considering changes to their marijuana policies should be cautious. Governments should also proceed slowly and take note of the lessons learned from these initial experiences.

If you are an accident victim and suspect that the driver was under the influence of marijuana, you need an experienced lawyer. An experienced lawyer will understand the complexities of a marijuana-related car accident. Anthem Injury Lawyers offers this experience, so you have a better opportunity to obtain the compensation you deserve as a victim. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.

NEVADA DUI OF MARIJUANA LAWS

Just because marijuana is legal in Nevada, does not mean that you can drive while under the influence of marijuana. In Nevada, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Under Nevada DUI laws, a person is under the influence of marijuana if:

• the substance has impaired the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, OR
• the driver’s blood contains a certain amount of marijuana.

Nevada Revised Statute 484C.105

Nevada Revised Statute 484C.105 defines “under the influence” as:

• Impaired to a degree that renders a person incapable of safely driving or exercising actual physical control of a vehicle.

Nevada Revised Statute 484C.110

Under Nevada Revised Statute 484C.110, it is unlawful for any person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle on a highway or on-premises to which the public has access with an amount of any of the following prohibited substances in his or her blood that is equal to or greater than:

• Marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), 2 blood nanograms per milliliter
• Marijuana metabolite (11-OH-tetrahydrocannabinol), 5 blood nanograms per milliliter

This means that under the current law, a driver does not necessarily have to be “high” or intoxicated to be charged with a DUI. If the driver’s blood contains the minimum prohibited amount while the driver is operating a vehicle, it is illegal per se. It does not matter if the driver is driving safely.

If another driver injures you, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and advocate your position. Now is not the time to go it alone against parties who do not have your best interests in mind. Choose a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has a proven track record winning top compensation for our clients. Do not delay. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation. We have won many Las Vegas car accidents like yours for our clients. Call now: you do not have to worry about affordability—we only get paid if you win.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers understands that a car accident can injure the most cautious individual. If an impaired driver has injured you, it is important that you seek experienced legal representation. Our personal injury lawyers serve the Las Vegas area with the knowledge and expertise you need to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Time is of the essence. Get in touch with our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers today, so we can begin pursuing significant compensation for you. If you cannot visit our Las Vegas area office, we can come to you to discuss your personal injury case.

Do not wait. Now is the best time to schedule your appointment with us to discuss the details of your Las Vegas area car accident. There is no obligation. We only get paid if we win your accident case. Have our personal injury lawyers examine the facts and learn about your case. See why our Las Vegas lawyers give you the best opportunity to win significant compensation. Your choice of a car accident lawyer will be one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. Make the right choice: put yourself in the best position to win your Las Vegas car accident case. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.

Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form