Pot-Related Fatal Crashes Jump 44 Percent Since 2010

According to a new report from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WTC), the number of pot-impaired drivers has nearly doubled.

The new reports indicate the number of drivers who tested positive for the active ingredient (THC) in marijuana who were involved in fatal crashes has risen 44% since 2010.

The study was first commissioned by former Governor Chris Gregoire to see what effect legalizing pot in 2012 would have on motorists. According to NW Cable News Network:

"The study compiled fatal crashes in the state between 2010-2014. The Washington State Toxicology Lab tested blood samples for 1,773 (out of 3,027) drivers, both surviving and deceased, involved in those crashes. 1,061 (59.8 percent) tested positive for alcohol, marijuana, or drugs.

In most cases, drivers who tested positive had multiple substances in their bodies including alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. The study found 34 percent only had alcohol in their systems and eight percent had marijuana only.

Marijuana was the most frequently found drug among drivers involved in deadly crashes, the commission said. 349 drivers tested positive for marijuana, whether that was the only substance in their system or there were other drugs or alcohol involved."

In 2014, 89 drivers involved in such incidents tested positive, up 44% from 2010. Of those, 38 were above the legal limit for THC.

However, the Commission believes the data is still incomplete to conclusively legalizing marijuana has caused more deadly crashes.

WTSC officials believe the state should begin tracking and saving data related to marijuana related crashes, fatal crashes and other significant traffic incidents to determine the true effect it may or may not be having on drivers.