The Dangers of Driving High

Before we were ever old enough to drive, the dangers of drunk driving was something that was taught at almost every opportunity. But alcohol isn’t the only off limits consuming teenagers partake of. What about driving while under the influence of marijuana or other drugs?

According to Liberty Mutual Insurance, one in five teens admit to driving while high. Many teens have spoken out about their experience. Ashley, a 16-year-old from Nevada says that it was “the scariest thing ever. My vision kept going in and out, and I couldn’t focus. It was so hard, and we didn’t get very far. I told my friend we had to pull over because I didn’t want to get hurt.”

Gaby, a high school senior in Kansas, felt that it had no affect on her ability to drive. "I totally trust my own judgment, even when I'm under the influence," she says. "I'm very aware of myself and how I'm feeling. I know that if I felt like I shouldn't be driving, I definitely wouldn't have." The interesting thing is, she is totally against driving drunk. When asked if she had even driven drunk, she said "Oh my god, no. And I would never get in a car with someone who was drinking. It's so terrifying—it's so not worth it." Ashely said the same thing. Although she’s driven while she was high, never while she was drunk nor would she ever get in the car with someone who had been drinking.

What’s the Difference?

Basically, drivers who are high are more likely to try and compensate for their impairment, while drunk drivers tend to be more reckless. That’s not to say that driving while high isn’t dangerous. A recent review by a medical journal called BMJ found that drivers who are high are twice as likely to get in a serious accident than sober drivers. While impairments to reaction time and perception are to be noted, teens need to understand the legal implications behind using pot. Marijuana is still illegal in most states, and will follow with a DUI charge.

If you have a teen that has a problem with drugs, Ashcreek Ranch Academy features therapy for troubled boys. Contact them today via their website www.ashcreekranchacademy.com or call 435-215-0500