New WA Law Would Ban Smoking Pot in Cars

Most of us don't get liquored up before we drive...conversely, most wouldn't think it's a good idea to smoke pot behind the wheel.   (Kevin Ward Jr?)  But apparently it's not illegal, so one group is seeking to change that.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is asking legislators to fix a loophole in I-502, one that doesn't specifically say it's illegal to smoke marijuana in your car.

Darrin Grondel, director of the commission, says the pot law needs to mirror the open container alcohol law in Washington state, but it doesn't now.

According to the Traffic Safety Commission,  in 2012, almost 19% of impaired drivers tested positive to TCH, the ingredient that impairs judgement and motor skills.  That number shot up to over 25% in 2013, the first year pot became legal.

Despite claims they looked at every detail when drafting I-502,  Alison Holcomb of the ACLU - one of the chief writers - didn't include specifics about pot and driving.   This despite claims they copied Washington's DUI laws.

According to the Tacoma News-Tribune:

"The number of people testing positive for a metabolite of THC — indicating marijuana use within recent days or weeks — also went up last year, to 40 percent, according to the state toxicology lab."

So, with legalized pot, that means a LOT more motorists are getting high before they get behind the wheel - a thought that makes driving on our highways and byways a lot more dangerous.    The Traffic Safety Commission hopes to have legislators fix those issues with the pot laws during this legislative session.