Risky road conditions linked to marijuana and alcohol use, as per DEKRA's safety report on traffic accidents
In many high-income countries, a concerning statistic emerges: approximately 20% of all fatal accidents involve a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. This underscores the significance of responsible drinking and driving.
Moving on to another substance, cannabis, its impact on road safety is equally important to consider. In Germany, for instance, a 12-hour waiting period is advised after cannabis consumption before participating in traffic. This is due to the fact that cannabis affects the nervous system and components of performance essential for safely operating vehicles.
Cannabis consumption can lead to driving uncertainties, such as difficulties in lane keeping, speed regulation, and handling priority rules. Moreover, in young drivers, particularly those under 25 years old, the risk is higher, with a three-fold increase in the risk.
The amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a 'joint' can vary greatly, adding to the unpredictability of its effects. It's worth noting that in Germany, the THC limit for driving is 3.5 ng/ml.
International studies show that the more intense and frequent the cannabis consumption, the higher the likelihood of risky driving maneuvers. This trend is particularly pronounced among young people, who often view cannabis as widely accepted in many countries.
However, it's not just cannabis that poses a threat. Alcohol-related accidents are a significant concern worldwide. In high-income countries, the problem persists, with about 50% of first-time offenders being considered risky alcohol consumers. In Germany, about 15% of first-time offenders are diagnosed as alcohol-dependent, and approximately 30% are classified as heavy 'alcohol abusers'.
The combined effect of cannabis and alcohol is particularly dangerous. The accident risk increases slightly to moderately after cannabis consumption, but less pronounced than under the influence of alcohol. The costs associated with alcohol-related accidents are immense, aside from the human suffering they cause.
The organization that made proposals for the revision of the EU driving license directive focusing on the treatment of dependencies could not be explicitly identified from the available data. However, it is known that revisions of EU directives typically involve entities such as the European Commission and various European councils or expert groups.
In low- and middle-income countries, the percentage of fatal accidents involving alcohol above the legal limit ranges from 33 to 69%. This highlights the global nature of the issue and the need for concerted efforts to address it.
In conclusion, responsible consumption of both alcohol and cannabis is crucial for road safety. As we continue to navigate our increasingly complex world, it's essential that we prioritize the safety of all road users.
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