AAA survey looks into American driver’s attitudes towards driving while high

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Nearly 70% of Americans think it’s unlikely a driver will get caught by police for driving while high on marijuana.

That’s according to a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey that looked into the attitudes Americans have about stoners behind the steering wheel.

An alarming finding is that an estimated 14.8 million drivers report getting behind the wheel within one hour after using marijuana in the past 30 days.

Many drivers don’t consider marijuana-impaired driving as risky as other behaviors like driving drunk or talking on the phone while driving. But the truth is, driving while high can get you thrown in jail.

“It’s time to face the facts. Any driver who gets behind the wheel high can be arrested and prosecuted,” said Jake Nelson, AAA Director of Traffic Safety and Advocacy. “Law enforcement officials are getting more sophisticated in their methods for identifying marijuana-impaired drivers and the consequences are not worth the risk.”

Triple A says because a drug is legal doesn’t mean it is safe to use while operating a motor vehicle.

The auto club recommends all motorists avoid driving while impaired by marijuana or any other drug including alcohol to avoid arrest and keep the roads safe.