Shocking Survey Shows Pot Use in WA Before Driving Widespread

According to a June, 2014 survey conducted by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WSTSC), nearly 3 out of ten drivers participating indicated they use or have used pot within a few hours of driving.   But the real shocker is that of those who do,  62% don't think marijuana impairs their ability to drive.

According to the WSTSC,  over 900 drivers were asked to participate in a voluntary roadside survey conducted by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE).  Six counties were chosen for the random test, including Yakima, King, Snohomish, Spokane, Whatcom, and Kitsap.   Motorists were flagged down and asked if they wanted to participate.

The participants could decide if they wanted to provide blood or other samples, to check for impairment.  They were paid for their participation. The other part of the survey included a variety of questions about their driving habits.  Drivers who chose not to participate - or chose not to provide any blood or other fluid samples did not face any prosecution or implied guilt.   Some drivers did one part of the survey or the other,  some provided answers to the questions and samples. The sample data below is based upon 893 combined answers

Of the nearly 26% of drivers who admit using marijuana on a regular basis,  44% admitted to smoking pot less than two hours before getting behind the wheel.

 Of those 44% who admitted using pot within two hours of driving,  62% of them felt it didn't impair their abilities, and 25% felt it made them a better driver!  

---So that means at least 1/4 of drivers in WA smoke pot,  and of those,  nearly half  (or at least 12 percent of all adult drivers)  do it and then get behind the wheel in less than two hours, while still under the effects of marijuana.

The WSTSC reports since 2009, over 1,000 people have died on Washington roads as a result of impaired drivers,  and emphasis patrols for the holidays are now in place.   Authorities are especially looking for marijuana-impaired drivers.   According to the last data available to Newstalk 870 in early 2013,  pot related DUI arrests had risen at least 35% in our state, and were on pace to exceed a 50% increase.

The WSTSC urges motorists NOT to get behind the wheel, especially after smoking pot, and not after drinking.   Officials say the legalization of recreational pot for adults has made it a bigger challenge for law enforcement to keep impaired drivers off the roads.