AAA Study Shows Consuming Cannabis and Driving The Same Day is Common

A survey of the driving behavior of 2,000 cannabis consumers in eight states shows a majority say they drive the same day that they consume cannabis—and about half believe they drive just as well while high.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a study seeking cannabis consumers perceptions about driving under the influence, and to develop messages that might deter the behavior.

The studies included phases with Interviews with subject matter experts, a survey of 2,000 cannabis users across eight states regarding their driving behavior and a survey of 800 cannabis users across states about their reactions to targeted messaging promoting safe driving practices after cannabis use.

The study shows 84.8% of those polled indicated that they drive the same day that they consume cannabis compared to waiting eight or more hours. Most (57.8%) of those surveyed said they drive daily.

Nearly one-in-five believed their driving was worse after cannabis use, while others viewed their driving as the same (46.9%), a little better (14.7%) or much better (19.4%). Just 29.2% of respondents believed a police officer could detect the influence of cannabis, 46.7% did not believe they could detect it and 24.1% were unsure.

Respondents were also asked whether the messaging was likely to impact their attitude toward cannabis use and driving, such as increasing wait time between consuming cannabis and driving.

The slogan “Feel Different Drive Different” had the largest proportion of respondents on increasing wait time (62%) and taking alternate transportation (58%) among all respondents, the study shows.

However, all messages showed little behavioral impact on reducing cannabis use, eliciting only 20% to 29% response to “very likely” reducing use after viewing the message.

The subject-matter experts in the study recommended strategies for reaching cannabis users with safe driving messages that include: addressing issues that they see as misconceptions and myths (such as the believe that cannabis is less risky than alcohol), promoting effective communication and addressing gaps in knowledge. The experts also endorsed collaborating with the cannabis industry for messaging and dissemination, using social media and incorporating testimonials from cannabis users.