The legalization of marijuana reduces the number of fatalities in road accidents
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Legalization of medical marijuana will lead to a reduction in fatalities in road accidents by almost 9% and a decrease in beer sales by 5%, a new study shows. This study is the first to study the relationship between the legalization of medical marijuana and transport deaths.
"Our research shows that legalizing medical marijuana reduces traffic accidents by reducing the consumption of alcohol by young people," says Daniel Rees, an economics professor at the University of Colorado of Denver.
The scientists collected data from various sources, including the National Survey on Drug Use, road video surveillance systems, and the reporting of the Accident Analysis System.
"We were amazed at how little we know about the consequences of legalizing medical marijuana," said Rhys. "We studied traffic accidents and their relationship with drinking alcohol." Traffic accidents are important from a strategic point of view, as they are the leading cause of death among Americans in age to 34 years. "
Analysts analyzed transport incidents throughout the country, including in 13 states that legalized medical marijuana between 1990 and 2009. In those states where marijuana was legalized, scientists found a decrease in alcohol consumption by people aged 20 to 29 years, which led to a reduction in the number of accidents.
Previous studies show that drivers under the influence of alcohol tend to underestimate their skills, which leads to risky driving. While, under the influence of marijuana, drivers are prone to avoid risks. The legalization of medical marijuana can lead to a reduction in the number of fatalities in an accident.
Opponents of medical marijuana believe that legalization will lead to a wider use of the drug by minors. However, the researchers analyzed the use of marijuana in three states that legalized it for medical purposes in the mid-2000s: Montana, Rhode Island, and Vermont, and found no evidence of an increase in the consumption of marijuana by minors.
"Although we do not give any recommendations, however, this study shows that the legalization of marijuana will make our roads safer," says Fig.