It seems that wherever there are bars and cars, despite the well-known effects that alcohol has on the body and especially on the brain, drunk driving makes the road be less safe for everyone from car drivers and their passengers, to cyclists and pedestrians.
On the other hand, the number 1 hated drug by the USA government and the #1 most loved by population is marijuana. The former believes that weed is an extremely dangerous drug, especially when consumed by drivers. There is of course the group of marijuana lovers who believe it is some wonder natural cure for almost anything. As always, the truth lies somewhere in between.
Which one is worse for drivers: marijuana or alcohol?
The effects of drinking while driving are well known and studied, and many countries have very clear limits regarding the amount of alcohol that a person can consume before they climb behind the wheel. A drunk driver may have decreased inhibitions, lower motor coordination, aggressiveness and lack of attention, among many other effects that depend on the drinker.
A team of researchers from Ben Gurion University in Israel was decided to study the difference, in terms of driving reactions, among persons who consumed alcohol and those who have smoked marijuana. Researchers have used limited amounts of alcohol and marijuana and driving simulator to monitor drug effects on driving. The preliminary study was conducted on 14 students were divided into three groups: some have small amounts of marijuana smoking, another group consumed rather large quantities of narcotics and the third group drank cocktails with vodka.
The researchers said the myth according to which those who smoke marijuana are more conscious of where they are and therefore will pay more attention while driving is definitely wrong. They said that when you’re drunk you tend to drive faster than you should because of the state of self confidence that alcohol gives you. When you smoke marijuana you’re much more careful, either because of the state of paranoia or because time passes much slower and therefore you drive slower too; people translate this by caution and may find it a good thing to smoke. The researchers expressed their views in an interview offered to Reuters.
However the time spent in the simulator shows that people who smoked marijuana and then had to deal with pedestrians and other unpredictable situations, although more slower drivers, didn’t keep away from accidents. “Time passes differently, so people drive more slowly because of the perception they have on the time.” Other effects that may affect careful driving are slowed reactions to external stimulus, hallucinations and loss of memory.
In both cases, the occurrence of these symptoms depends on the state of health, age, body weight, the person’s temper and, of course, the quantity of alcohol consumed or marijuana smoked.
Studies have shown that although alcohol and marijuana act differently, they both put the drivers in dangerous situations for themselves and for other road users.
The campaigns against road accidents and an increased number of policemen on the roads have made the streets safer, but these studies are a clear proof that they need to do more for people to be aware of the effects these substances have on driving.
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September 2nd, 2011 at 4:45 am
I would rather be on a highway with 20 stoned drivers than on a highway with 1 drunk driver. The FDA agrees. Marinol is 100% THC and they only warn in the instructions that you should get used to the effects before you operate heavy machinery or drive.
The very strongest weed is less than 20% THC and most people would only take one puff. If you use marijuana often, you will get used to it and will compensate your driving by being extra observant and cautious. The highways would be a safer place if people were always actively observant and cautious.
July 4th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
i would be a first time smoker.iam completely stressed out and always a thinker by nature.not violent but hoping to get peace and maybe dont sweat things so much.dont want an addiction.would you recommend weed?
May 4th, 2011 at 11:58 am
MARIJUANA IS A HEALING PLANT NOT JUST FOR RECREATION , IT IS USED FOR HEALING YOUR BODY AND MIND C AFTER U SMOKE AND YOUR HIGH IS GONE YOU FEEL A REFRESHING FEELING
May 4th, 2011 at 10:50 am
MARIJUANA TAKES U DIRECTLY TO THE 4TH LEVEL IN YOUR MIND
February 28th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Weed can be good for a season but like anything else in moderation.
Eventually you have to quit and move on to the holy spirit Jesus is the way!