Demographic and policy-based differences in behaviors and attitudes towards driving after marijuana use: an analysis of the 2013–2017 Traffic Safety Culture Index

Abstract

Objective Marijuana policies in the United States have become more permissive, motivating research on demographic and policy-based differences in behaviors and attitudes towards driving after marijuana use. The Traffic Safety Culture Index is an annual survey with national scope and multiple measures relevant to driving after marijuana use. We tabulated responses to questions about driving after marijuana use from the Traffic Safety Culture Index based on demographic factors, recreational and medical marijuana policies, and per-se marijuana laws. Results Male, younger, lower-income, and lower-education respondents self-reported driving after marijuana use more than their demographic counterparts, more often reported such behavior to be personally acceptable, and exhibited lower support per-se laws. Drivers in states that legalized medical marijuana self-reported driving after marijuana use slightly more than drivers in states where both medical and recreational were illegal. Support for per-se laws was higher among those in states that legalized recreational marijuana and in states with per-se laws. Demographic differences in our outcomes were consistent and cohesive. On the other hand, we found no predominant pattern suggesting that those in states with liberal marijuana policies were more tolerant of driving after marijuana use.

Societal Costs and Outcomes of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Policies in the United States: A Systematic Review

“…Nonetheless, using Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from 1993 to 2014, the same study determined that cannabis-involved driving was not a significant factor in fatal crashes across the United States (Sevigny, 2018). Male, younger, lower income, and lower educated individuals are the most likely to drive under the influence of marijuana, and driving after using of the drug is more prevalent in states with MMLs than in states where both medical and recreational marijuana are illegal (Benedetti et al, 2021a).…”