Colorado officials have begun looking into the rate of traffic accidents involving the use of marijuana.

Online PR News � 27-March-2018 � Colorado officials have begun looking into the rate of traffic accidents involving the use of marijuana. They have launched a project to gather opinions from residents in Colorado about driving while drugged and to learn more information about drivers' habits on using marijuana and getting behind the wheel. John Smith Insurance Agency is concerned about any type of impaired driving and how it can increase the risk of an accident.

In the state of Colorado, marijuana use is legal. However, that does not mean that people can drive if they are impaired. Statistics show that in 2016 there were a total of 77 fatal car crashes which involved drivers who had cannabis in their bloodstream. They tested positive for THC, which is the chemical in marijuana that creates the high experienced by those who use it. Because of the concern about drivers who get behind the wheel when they are impaired, officials have created a survey for residents to provide information about their behaviors regarding marijuana use, especially when they will be driving.

The goal with the survey is to help officials find effective ways to reduce incidents of driving while drugged. Even though the state has developed awareness efforts in the past, they have not been effective. Even though the Department of Transportation shows that most people know they can be given a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana, about half of those surveyed say they drive while high. The hope with this new initiative is to learn more about when people are using and in what circumstances. The goal will be to find new ways to address the issue of driving high, which does not receive the same attention as drunk driving.

"Anytime a driver is impaired, it increases the risk of an accident, regardless of the substance they are using, says John Smith of John Smith Insurance, a provider of car insurance in Colorado Springs. It doesnt matter whether its alcohol, marijuana or even prescription drugs." He goes on to explain that many prescription medications provide warnings about driving while taking the medicines. "A person who fails to obey those recommendations could be found at fault for an accident and face a lawsuit."

Just like with alcohol, medications and marijuana can result in a person having a slower reaction time behind the wheel. They may not be as alert or able to make quick decisions to avoid an accident. Defining impaired driving can be difficult, Smith explains. Many people do not feel impaired or realize that their judgment has been compromised.

Smith recommends that drivers do not get behind the wheel if they have had anything to drink, used marijuana or taken prescription medications that advise against driving. Even if they feel fine, they may be at risk for an accident. Even one accident or traffic violation for a DUI can have major consequences, including increased car insurance rates for the driver along with points added to their driver's license.