Driving High is a High Risk: Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Spearheads Campaign Against Marijuana-Impaired Driving
A Sobering Reality
Public perception can often lag behind the facts, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the recent data collected on marijuana-impaired driving. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) has taken up the baton with their Safe Driving Campaign to not only inform but correct the dangerous myths circulating around this issue.
The Surprising Survey
Last year, the CCA issued a survey that attracted nearly 800 responses from Virginians about their habits and attitudes towards cannabis-use while driving. The results were startling. “30% of Virginians think that using cannabis while driving makes driving safe,” stated Brianna Bonat, health policy and data manager for CCA. In contrast, only 26% of the respondents acknowledged the severe risk of driving under the influence of marijuana.
Breaking Down the Perception Gap
Bonat suggests that the legalization of medical marijuana may be contributing to the disconnect in perceived risk. “People aren’t perceiving cannabis use while driving as something to be alarmed by,” she remarked. When compared to other risky behaviors like texting or drinking while driving, marijuana-impaired driving wasn’t seen as extremely dangerous by the majority.
The Legal Paradox
The 2022 Virginia State Police Crime report documented a 37% decline in marijuana violations, including DUI arrests, from the previous year. While this may seem like positive news on the surface, it raises questions about whether the drop is due to better practices or less policing.
Taking Action Safe Driving Campaign
To close the perception gap, the VA CCA has rolled out a robust Safe Driving Campaign featuring billboards, digital ads, and public service announcements targeting a diverse audience, from recreational users to parents. The campaign also includes collaborations with Virginia organizations to multiply its reach and efficacy.
