Page 19 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2016

DRIVING SCHOOL
AAA
TM
Drugs and Driving – A Hazardous Mix
Twenty-three states have legalized cannabis. This seems to have had the unintended consequence of leading many young people to believe that recreational cannabis use must be “okay,” and involves little, if any risk.
The fact is, after alcohol, cannabis is the drug most often associated with fatal auto accidents, and young drivers need to know that if cannabis becomes legal in Pennsylvania it will still be illegal to drive while under the influence.
State DUI laws historically focused on preventing and prosecuting alcohol-impaired driving. More recently, these laws have been modified to address drugged driving, including the use of cannabis and other controlled substances.
According to JustDrivePA.org, Pennsylvania law enforcement officers are working to identify drugged drivers who are impaired by illegal substances
such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin, as well as prescription medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Demerol. From 2013 to 2014 there was nearly a 10% increase in the number of charges filed against drugged drivers.
Young teens are particularly vulnerable to the side effects of cannabis. The development of
neural receptors in the teenage brain can be impeded by regular drug use. This causes problems with learning and memory, even a drop in IQ that may last a lifetime. Cannabis has also been linked with increased depression and anxiety in teenagers.
Even occasional use can compromise a person’s ability to concentrate, judge distances and react to external stimuli, putting the user of that substance, other motorists and pedestrians at substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Due to their lack of experience, drivers aged 16 to 19 are at much greater risk of being involved in an accident than other age groups. Combining that risk with the cognitive and physical impairments resulting from drug and alcohol consumption makes the situation even more critical.
If you happen to be among those who use cannabis in some form, or if you’re taking a prescription medication that contains a warning against operating heavy machinery, please consider this information before getting behind the wheel.
Rick Ramsey
Regional Manager, AAA Central Penn
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
19
Now!