DETROIT — As the nation prepares for the dual observance of Easter and the cannabis-centric 4/20 holiday, AAA is urging individuals to plan for safe transportation if they intend to partake in marijuana festivities. The auto club’s warning comes in light of a recent survey revealing concerning trends among cannabis users.

“Regardless of whether cannabis is legal or prescribed, driving under the influence of the drug is illegal and extremely dangerous,” AAA stated.

The survey conducted by the Auto Club Group found that approximately 85% of cannabis users admitted to driving on the same day they consumed the drug. Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA, expressed alarm at the findings, noting that many users reported driving within an hour of consumption.

“When you drive high, your reflexes, your focus and your decision-making are all compromised,” Woodland said.

Despite these risks, nearly half of those surveyed believed their driving was unaffected by cannabis use, with some even claiming it improved their driving abilities.

“It makes the roadway unsafe for all drivers, not just the person that’s driving,” AAA emphasized. “It definitely makes everything dangerous for other motorists as well as pedestrians, bicycles, anybody that’s on the roadway can be in danger if there’s an impaired driver on the roadway.”

AAA highlighted that impaired driving, distractions, failure to use seat belts, and speeding contribute to a fatal car crash every 12 minutes on U.S. roads.

“It’s not just, you know, about alcohol or cannabis,” AAA said. “There are all kinds of other, you know, prescription medications that can impair your ability to drive safely. So it’s really important that you don’t drive impaired by other substances.”

The survey also noted a 46% increase in drivers consuming cannabis since 2007, coinciding with the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use in many states over the past 18 years.