Flutterby™! : Toke up for safety!

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Toke up for safety!

2011-12-01 22:31:26.122677+00 by Dan Lyke 2 comments

Legalizing medical marijuana reduces traffic deaths:

The economists analyzed traffic fatalities nationwide, including the 13 states that legalized medical marijuana between 1990 and 2009. In those states, they found evidence that alcohol consumption by 20- through 29-year-olds went down, resulting in fewer deaths on the road.

The economists noted that simulator studies conducted by previous researchers suggest that drivers under the influence of alcohol tend to underestimate how badly their skills are impaired. They drive faster and take more risks. In contrast, these studies show that drivers under the influence of marijuana tend to avoid risks.

Science News recap of the press release. The paper itself.

Via MeFi.

[ related topics: Drugs Current Events Television Economics Government ]

comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment Re: made: 2011-12-05 23:53:18.940613+00 by: petronius

So, all those glaucomics are now out driving?

#Comment Re: made: 2011-12-06 02:10:34.315333+00 by: Dan Lyke

If you read it carefully, I think that all the addicts who'd otherwise be out at bars partying are now sitting at home on their couches with the munchies.