The Impact of Recreational Marijuana Legalization on Road Safety: A Closer Look

Introduction

Connecticut recently joined the growing list of states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, with more expected to follow suit. This trend has raised concerns about road safety, as increased marijuana use could potentially lead to higher crash rates. Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have been examining the effects of legalization on crash rates and insurance claims since 2014.

Increased Crash Rates

The most recent study by IIHS, released on June 17, shows that injury and fatal crash rates in California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington increased by 6 percent and 4 percent, respectively, following the relaxation of marijuana laws in these states. This increase was compared with other Western states where recreational marijuana use remained illegal during the study period. While only the increase in injury crash rates was statistically significant, the overall trend is concerning.

Insurance Claims and Further Study

Insurance records also show an increase in claims under collision coverage, which pays for damage to an at-fault, insured driver's own vehicle. The legalization of retail sales in Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington was associated with a 4 percent increase in collision claim frequency compared with other Western states from 2012 to 2019. While the evidence suggests that crash rates have increased in states that legalized marijuana, further study is needed to determine whether marijuana use alone is responsible. Preliminary data suggests that people who use alcohol and marijuana together are accountable for most of the crashes.

In conclusion, while the legalization of recreational marijuana may have benefits, it is crucial to address the potential increase in crash rates. Policymakers and safety professionals will need to find ways to mitigate this risk. Drivers should be aware of the potential dangers and take extra precautions when using marijuana, especially if they plan to drive. Additionally, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of marijuana use on road safety.