Whether you’re new to cannabis https://westcoastsupply.cc/ use or an old pro, there’s no denying that driving while high isn’t safe. It can increase the risk of a crash by 25 percent or more, according to the National Institute for Drug Abuse.
It’s not hard to understand why – marijuana impairs coordination, memory, attention, reaction time and cognitive flexibility. These skills are vital for driving, which involves making split-second decisions that must be made under stress and strain.
How to Know if You’re Too High to Drive
Years after marijuana was legalized, public-safety officials and lawmakers are still struggling to define what exactly makes someone “stoned” enough to drive. That’s because cannabis is different from alcohol, metabolized differently, and affecting the body differently.
It’s no secret that alcohol is a deadly drug to drive under the influence of, but how can police tell when you are stoned?
Standardized field sobriety tests and drug recognition experts (DREs) are used to determine if you are impaired, but they can be flawed. If you are arrested for a DUI based on the results of a DRE, you should fight your charges and defend yourself against these flawed methods.
It’s also important to understand that there is no standard level of impairment for marijuana, so even if your blood THC levels are high, you might not be impaired when driving. It’s important to know this because it can help you protect yourself and your family.
What to Do if You’re High
Even if you’re legally allowed to use marijuana, driving stoned is a bad idea. It can muddle your ability to focus and react to road hazards.
In fact, a recent report found that even low doses of marijuana can impair critical driving skills. That’s because cannabis affects the brain differently than alcohol does, says Tory Spindle, a psychologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
It also stays in the bloodstream for weeks, making it harder to detect impairment compared with alcohol. That’s why 31 states prohibit driving while high, and others have a legal cutoff for THC in the blood above which it’s illegal.
Drug-impaired drivers are a growing problem on the road, and law enforcement is stepping up its efforts to catch them. One way is through a campaign called If You Feel Different, You Drive Different: Drive High, Get A DUI, which runs from December 14 to January 1.
What to Do if You’re in a Crash
Driving can be stressful and dangerous if you’re high, buzzed, or stoned. The first thing you should do if you’re involved in a crash is to take a deep breath and relax.
This will help you stay calm and able to make decisions about what should be done next. It will also allow you to gather important information, like the names of witnesses, insurance information, and other key details that can be helpful in proving who is responsible for the accident.
If you are a victim of a car crash caused by a drunk or stoned driver, it is in your best interest to seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney will protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for any losses you may have suffered.
What to Do if You’re the Other Driver
The right kind of insurance can help cover your losses, but it’s not always an easy task to determine whether or not the other driver has enough coverage. The best way to find out is to ask your insurance agent if the other drivers insurance company will pay for your damages or provide you with the required documentation to file your claim. Fortunately, there are no fees to pay in most cases. There are several insurance providers in the Denver area who can help you navigate the road to recovery, including Allstate, Farmers Insurance and many more. Call the lawyers of Carpenter & Zuckerman for a free consultation and learn what you may be eligible for in your particular case. Our experienced team is standing by to assist you with all of your insurance claims needs. Our offices are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The best time to speak with a knowledgeable insurance lawyer is during office hours, but we will do our best to schedule a time that works for you and your family.