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Time Business News
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Behind the Wheel and Under the Influence: What Driving Data Reveals About America's Cannabis Shift
As the legalization of recreational cannabis spreads across the country, a new concern is emerging on America's highways. According to a study published by The Texas Law Dog, states where cannabis is legal for recreational use are reporting a concerning rise in car crashes and road fatalities. These trends suggest that the push for cannabis freedom may be unintentionally fueling a public safety crisis. Legalization on the Rise, So Are Crashes In 2011, recreational marijuana was illegal nationwide. As of 2025, 25 states allow adult-use cannabis, and the results on roadways are becoming harder to ignore. The Texas Law Dog's report found that the widespread legalization of marijuana is linked to a 6% increase in motor vehicle crashes and a 4% increase in fatal crashes nationwide. Individual state data provides even starker illustrations. In Oregon, crash fatalities have increased by 22% since legalization. Alaska and Colorado have seen fatal crash spikes of 20% and 16%, respectively, while California reports a 14% rise. These increases aren't isolated they're part of a growing national trend. Cannabis and Driving: A Deadly Mix As marijuana becomes more accessible, its use is also becoming more casual. By 2019, nearly one in five Americans aged 12 or older reported using cannabis up from just 11% in 2002. More troubling is that a significant portion of users are taking to the roads while impaired. The Texas Law Dog analysis revealed that 85% of cannabis users admit to driving the same day they consume the drug, with over half doing so within an hour. These findings are critical, given marijuana's well-documented impact on reaction time, attention, and coordination. Cannabis is also emerging as a dominant factor in fatal crashes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cannabis involvement in fatal accidents surpassed alcohol for the first time accounting for 33% of deaths compared to alcohol's 29%. The Challenge of Poly-Substance Use The threat of cannabis-impaired driving becomes more complex when other substances are involved. The study highlights that pre-pandemic, 18% of drivers involved in fatal crashes had multiple drugs in their systems. Post-pandemic, that figure climbed to 25%. This trend poses challenges not just for enforcement, but also for toxicology and crash analysis. Determining whether cannabis was the primary impairment in such cases becomes increasingly difficult when alcohol or other drugs are also present. A Tale of Two Policies: Medical vs. Recreational Interestingly, not all cannabis laws have had the same effect on public safety. States with legalized recreational cannabis saw a 4–6% increase in crash rates. Meanwhile, states with only medical cannabis programs experienced a reduction in traffic fatalities between 8% and 11%. This discrepancy may stem from how cannabis is distributed and consumed in these states. Recreational laws tend to widen access without the same medical oversight, potentially leading to more frequent and unregulated use by the general public. A False Sense of Security Behind the Wheel One of the most revealing aspects of The Texas Law Dog's findings is the disconnect between perceived and actual risk. While 70% of users said driving within an hour of cannabis use was 'highly dangerous,' and 93% believed their friends or family would disapprove, many still drive high. Why the contradiction? Nearly 30% of users believe law enforcement wouldn't be able to detect their impairment. With limited roadside tools to measure THC levels and no national threshold for cannabis DUI, many drivers feel they can get away with it. The Legal Patchwork Fuels Public Confusion Differences in cannabis laws from state to state only add to the problem. In Alaska, recreational users can carry up to one ounce, but medical users may possess up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks. In California, medical patients are allowed eight ounces. In some states, like Idaho and Nebraska, all cannabis possession is still illegal. This legal inconsistency creates a minefield of confusion for both law enforcement and drivers, especially those crossing state lines. Uniform standards on THC limits and impaired driving penalties could go a long way in closing these gaps. Solutions That Balance Freedom and Safety Legalizing cannabis doesn't have to mean compromising traffic safety. The Texas Law Dog study calls for a smarter approach to impaired driving prevention. Among the proposed strategies: Development of reliable roadside THC testing Standardized DUI laws across state lines Expanded public education on cannabis impairment Stronger restrictions on driving post-use Increased funding for drug-impaired driving research States that legalize cannabis should do so with a parallel commitment to traffic safety. That includes investing in law enforcement training, refining legislation, and ensuring that public messaging keeps up with the pace of policy reform. Conclusion: Freedom Without Responsibility Isn't Freedom at All The movement toward cannabis legalization shows no signs of slowing, but the data shows a clear cost: more crashes, more deaths, and more uncertainty on the road. The Texas Law Dog's study reveals a growing risk that demands a balanced, evidence-based response. As lawmakers navigate the future of drug policy, ensuring public safety must remain part of the equation. Because every right, including the right to use cannabis, carries a responsibility especially when lives are on the line. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Announces 2024 Scholarship Winner
The Texas Law Dog Proudly Announces Kayla Vaughn as the Winner of the $1,000 2024 Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Animal Rescue Scholarship ARLINGTON, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / March 14, 2025 / Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers (The Texas Law Dog) offered a $1,000 Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Animal Rescue Scholarship for 2024. The firm proudly announces Kayla Vaughn as the recipient of the scholarship, which she can apply to her tuition, room, board, and other potential educational expenses. Kayla Vaughn applied for the scholarship due to her passion for animal welfare. She has three rescue dogs who have taught her empathy and brought her joy over the years. She qualified for the scholarship as a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she currently studies computer science. The Texas Law Dog selected Ms. Vaughn based on the strength of her essay and her dedication to animals. Vaughn has volunteered at Forest Lane Animal Clinic in Dallas and dedicates her time to fundraising events and spreading awareness about responsible pet ownership. After her graduation, Vaughn plans to explore options for using technology to support animal-related causes. She's expressed an interest in creating a game featuring animals, with the proceeds benefiting animal rescues, or building a social media platform that helps raise awareness and supports animal shelters. Students interested in applying for the Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Animal Rescue Scholarship for 2025 can prepare to apply until September 30, 2025. The firm has increased the scholarship award to $2,500 for 2025, providing more financial support to students. Students who want to apply will need to complete an original 750-word essay. The scholarship is available to: Students should prepare to provide proof of their enrollment and academic standing when they apply. Individuals interested in learning more about the scholarship can review the Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers website. About the Texas Law Dog Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers has years of experience representing injured victims in Texas. The firm's founder, Matthew E. Aulsbrook, grew up in Texas and worked in the insurance industry before becoming an attorney. Aulsbrook and the rest of the team at the Texas Law Dog assist clients who sustain injuries and financial losses due to another party's negligence. The firm provides dedicated support to clients and handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. The legal team provides a community-focused service designed to deal with all legal challenges. Interested parties can get additional information about The Texas Law Dog and the services provided by the firm by reaching out to the law office. The firm is available by phone or online. The firm can also provide additional information about upcoming scholarship opportunities. Attorney at Law 817-775-5364 LDOG
