Colorado is a leader in the legalization of recreational marijuana. However, driving while high can be just as dangerous as drunk driving and could lead to car accidents.

The problem is that while a breath or blood test can be used to determine a motorist’s blood alcohol concentration, no such tests exist for definitively proving marijuana impaired driving. This makes the issue of drugged driving a serious issue in Colorado and across the nation.

Why is drugged driving dangerous?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers who are impaired by marijuana may drive below the posted speed limit. However, they may also have trouble staying in their lane of traffic and they may experience a slowdown in their ability to brake in an emergency situation. This could lead to a serious car crash that injures or kills another person.

Detecting drugged driving is difficult

It is important to note that the major substance in marijuana that causes impairment, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can disappear in a short amount of time. This makes it difficult for officers to detect whether a person is too high to drive.

However, other factors also indicate whether a person is too high to drive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, how often a person consumes marijuana, its potency and the way it is consumed, whether it is through smoking, edibles or oil can all affect a person’s driving abilities differently.

When drugged driving leads to car accidents

Ultimately, motorists have a duty to drive safely under the circumstances. If a person breaches this duty by driving while high and this breach causes a car crash that injures or kills another person, it may be time to take legal action. This post does not contain legal advice and cannot form the basis of a negligence claim. Those who have suffered damages due to a drugged driver may want to seek professional guidance, so they can better understand their legal rights and options.