New Study Finds Marijuana-Related Traffic Fatalities ‬‬‬ Doubled in Washington State after Legalization

January 30
Share:

For Immediate Release
January 30, 2020

 

 

New Study Finds Marijuana-Related Traffic Fatalities Doubled in Washington State after Legalization

 SANTA FE — Today, a new study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that the percentage of fatal crashes involving marijuana-impaired drivers more than doubled in Washington since the state legalized marijuana in 2012. The New Mexico Legislature is currently considering legislation that would make New Mexico the 12th state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana.

“Marijuana-impaired driving fatalities are on the rise in states across the nation, and given New Mexico’s existing DUI problem, the Governor and the Legislature must take note,” said Vince Torres, Executive Director of Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico. “This study further confirms what we already know—recreational marijuana poses a serious threat to public safety in New Mexico and we should reject the rush to legalize.”

According to the AAA study, the percentage of drivers involved in marijuana-impaired traffic fatalities increased from 8.8 percent (in the five-year period prior to legalization), to 18 percent (in the five-year period after legalization). In Colorado, meanwhile, marijuana-related traffic deaths increased 151 percent following legalization.

“The drugged-driving trend is alarming, to say the least,” added Torres. “While a handful of states are now facing the unintended consequence of recreational pot, we are still in a position to reject this proposal and keep New Mexico from becoming another negative statistic.”

For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Vince Torres, contact Robert Noland at: 719-308-2822 or media@familypolicyalliance.com.

###

 Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico (FPANM) is a nonpartisan public policy organization. FPANM works with local and national allies to encourage civic engagement and promote public policies that protect human life, strengthen families, and preserve our First Amendment rights. More information is available at familypolicyalliance.com.