Driving under the influence of cannabis: Links with dangerous driving, psychological predictors, and accident involvement

• Published in: Accident analysis and prevention Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 299 - 307
• Main Authors: Richer, Isabelle, Bergeron, Jacques
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2009
• Subjects: Accident involvement; Accidents, Traffic - psychology; Accidents, Traffic - statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Automobile Driving - psychology; Automobile Driving - statistics & numerical data; Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; Cannabis use; Cohort Studies; Computer Simulation; Dangerous driving; Driving simulator; Humans; Impulsive Behavior - epidemiology; Impulsivity; Male; Marijuana Abuse - complications; Marijuana Abuse - epidemiology; Marijuana Smoking - adverse effects; Middle Aged; Risk-Taking; Sensation seeking; Young Adult; Dangerous driving; Cannabis use; Driving simulator; Impulsivity; Accident involvement; Sensation seeking
• ISSN: 0001-4575; 1879-2057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2008.12.004

Driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) has become a growing concern. Studies investigating the impact of DUIC on traffic safety have shown evidence that, during the acute period of cannabis intoxication, cannabis diminishes driving faculties and is associated with an elevated risk of collision. However, DUIC drivers seem to exhibit a general reckless driving style that may contribute to an over-estimation of DUIC-related collisions among this group. In this study, we investigated DUIC drivers with respect to self-reported dangerous driving habits (e.g., risky driving, aggressive driving and negative emotional driving), behaviours observed in a driving simulator, psychological predictors and crash involvement. Results suggest that DUIC is associated with self-reported and observed risky driving and negative emotional driving. We also found that sensation seeking and impulsivity are independent psychological predictors of DUIC. Finally, a trend suggests that self-reported DUIC is associated with an increased risk of being involved in a car accident, after controlling for dangerous driving and demographic variables. Implications for interventions are discussed.