Study Shows Marijuana Users Are Safer Drivers Than Non-Marijuana Users

(New York (PRWEB)) - In a recent study, a national quote provider for online car insurance quotes (4AutoinsuranceQuote.org), cites a strong correlation between traffic-related accidents and marijuana use. The study, which looks at statistics regarding accidents, traffic violations, and insurance prices, seeks to dispel the thought that “driving while stoned” is dangerous.

In the study, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org points out that the only significant effect that marijuana has on operating a motor vehicle is slower driving.

4AutoInsuranceQuote.org says, while referencing a study by the US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), that driving slower “is arguably a positive thing” and that driving under the influence of marijuana “might even make you a safer driver.”

A similar study by the NHTSA shows that drivers with THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) in their system have accident responsibility rates below that of drug free drivers.

In fact, a recent study shows that use of medical marijuana has caused traffic related fatalities to drop by up to nine percent in states that have legalized its use. This study, titled “Medical Marijuana Laws, Traffic Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption”, conducted by Mark Anderson and Daniel Rees in November 2011, shows that increased marijuana use amongst adults has decreased alcohol related traffic deaths in said states. This study provides solid evidence that marijuana is not only a safe substitute for alcohol, but it also makes for more safer drivers.

“Marijuana users often say that when they are high, they feel like they are driving 80 miles per hour but actually are only going 30 miles per hour,” 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org CEO James Shaffer says, “when somebody is drunk driving, on the other hand, they often feel like they are driving 30 miles per hour but are actually driving 80 miles per hour. This is what makes alcohol dangerous behind the wheel, and marijuana safe.”

As an auto insurance quote provider, 4autoinsurancequote.org says that marijuana use can also have an indirect effect on insurance rates. Because of the correlation between marijuana use and accident responsibility rates, they say, marijuana users, as a whole, can expect to see lower insurance rates than non-marijuana users.

“The hypocrisy of it all is that if you get caught driving under the influence of marijuana, you will be fined and perhaps thrown into jail.

"What's worse is that your insurance rates will definitely increase due to the traffic violation,” says Mr. Shaffer, “What law enforcement agencies and insurers do not understand is that driving while high is actually a safe activity. I guess the key to safer driving is to use marijuana, but to do it under-wraps.”

Article was originally published here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/4/prweb9375729.htm

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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Red Eyes April 10, 2012 7:16 pm (Pacific time)

Good one Mr. Editor

Editor: I've got our six man.

Anonymous April 10, 2012 5:56 pm (Pacific time)

“Marijuana users often...

Editor: You took a quote associated with alcohol impaired drivers and attempted to fool our readers into thinking it was attributed the other way, you will not slip things like this by, Mr. propaganda officer, you need to just accept that marijuana is a simple herb that you have demonized and refuse to stand corrected over. Over and out.

Anonymous April 10, 2012 2:36 pm (Pacific time)

There was an article on statesmanjournal today. (I know, what the heck am I doing on SJ)..I just browse it quick to see how much Gannett/AP are fibbing. :-)
But anyway, some girl who hit 3 people in her car? Read the article, its OBVIOUS she was on pharma drugs. I would usually NEVER link to SJ, but look at the police lady who is an "expert"...its obvious the girl was on pharma...If she would have been on marijuana, it would have been blasted in the news across the planet now wouldnt it?
Sorry for the SJ link, and try not to throw up when ya see the picture and the words. http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20120410/NEWS/304100007/Deputies-describe-driver-s-actions?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|s

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