ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – 47% of cannabis consumers say the drug had little to no effect on their ability to drive, according to a report from AAA.

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With cannabis rising to the third most used substance in the U.S., the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety completed two studies to analyze why consumers decide to drive under the influence and how to create messages to discourage that behavior.

“Understanding what motivates cannabis consumers to drive under the influence can be helpful in developing effective strategies that make our roads safer for everyone,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The first study was used to gain an understanding of consumers’ habits and perceptions:

• 44.1% said they consume cannabis multiple times a day
• 57.8% said they drive daily
• 84.8% said they drive the same day they consume cannabis, with 53% saying they consumed it an hour or less before driving
• 46.9% believe they drive the same, with 14.7% saying they drive a little better and 19.4% saying they drive much better
• 38.6% said they would trust messaging about cannabis use and safe driving from cannabis industry groups, brands or companies

The second study focused on what kind of impaired driving messages resonated with the most cannabis consumers. The study found:

• Messages that highlighted personal responsibility and safety concerns performed better than messages highlighting legal risks
• Realistic, positive and diverse messaging that avoided exaggerated stereotypes was preferred
• Messages should be tailored to the intended audience to ensure relevancy

“Effective messaging about cannabis-impaired driving needs to include credible voices, real-world scenarios, and respectful language,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy. “Individuals who consume cannabis come from all walks of life and that should be reflected in the messaging.”

Unlike alcohol, cannabis affects drivers in ways that are not easily quantified like sleepiness, brain fog, impaired body movement, hallucinations and changes in visual or auditory perception, according to AAA.

“Although AAA does not take a position on the legality of marijuana, we strongly oppose people driving under the influence of the drug,” said Molly Hart, spokesperson for AAA. “Marijuana causes impairing effects that make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.”

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