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Does marijuana impair driving the way alcohol does?
Marijuana was recently legalized in my state, so I see a lot of people smoking outside of bars. This got me thinking about how each affects you when you’re behind the wheel. Does marijuana have the same effects on drivers that alcohol does?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
With the legalization of weed in many states, state governments are trying to crack down on impaired driving. While marijuana usage does impair your driving, the effects are slightly different than they are if you drink alchohol.
Like alcohol, marijuana can lead to:
- Lack of judgment
- Impaired motor skills
- Delayed reactions
However, a recent study by the Marshall Project stated that someone who has recently smoked marijuana experiences the equivalent of having a blood-alcohol level of between .01 and .05, depending on the tolerance of the individual. This puts these drivers under the legal limit in comparison to alcohol.
But the main difference is risk-taking behavior. Drivers under the influence of marijuana are far less likely to make risky moves or engage in
road rage
than those under the influence of alcohol.While both are illegal if an policeman finds you impaired behind the wheel, they still function a bit differently. The best idea is to avoid driving under the influence, regardless of whether you’re drinking alcohol or using marijuana.
Even if you partake in alcohol or marijuana on occasion, don’t let it become part of your driving habits. Doing so can increase your car insurance rates dramatically.
But even if you’re being responsible, you may see an increase in your car insurance rates at renewal. If that’s the case, download the
Jerry
app to shop for a more affordable policy.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker and comparison shopping app that will help you find the lowest rate for the car insurance coverage you need. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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