A newly released study suggests that drugged driving may lead to a higher risk for a fatal car wreck. This statistic may come as no surprise to West Virginia readers, but the number of accidents related to this type of inhibited driving has recently tripled across the country. With some states legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, the risk of a fatal car wreck may increase as marijuana use becomes more socially acceptable.
Many states have been carefully watching the economic and social impact of the legalization of marijuana. It is very feasible that other states could see similar legislation in the years to come, which means that accidents involving marijuana could become a nationwide issue. It is thought that it may play a role in as many as one in nine drivers involved in deadly vehicle crashes, which is a troubling statistic for drivers everywhere, including in West Virginia.
Even more troubling is the fact that drug-related crashes could overtake the number of alcohol-related incidents in the years to come. As legalization of marijuana has become a national talking point, it is important for all drivers to realize that they could be held liable for their actions behind the wheel. Just as any other type of accident related to alcohol or negligent driving, drugged drivers could face jail time and potential lawsuits.
A fatal car wreck is almost always preventable with careful and prudent driving. When these accidents are caused by an inhibited driver, the family of the deceased may consider a wrongful death claim, just as those injured can pursue personal injury claims. Financial compensation cannot undo the results of this growing issue, but it can offset the costs of the sudden death or injury of a loved one.
Source: townhall.com, Drugged Driving: Study Finds That Fatal Car Crashes Involving Marijuana Use Have Tripled, Leah Barkoukis, Feb. 9, 2014
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