Experienced Maine car accident lawyers explain what you need to know
The dangers of drunk driving have been well documented for decades. Drinking and driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents throughout the country. But as marijuana becomes legal in many states nationwide, researchers are only beginning to understand how drivers behave if they are under the influence of the drug while driving.
Recently, a study found that drivers who regularly consume alcohol and marijuana posed a greater risk to other drivers on the road. That’s because such drivers admitted to taking more risks and engaging in more dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.
So how do drivers who regularly drink alcohol and consume marijuana behave behind the wheel? What are your legal options if a driver under the influence of drugs causes your accident? Below, you can find the answers to these questions and many more, courtesy of the experienced attorneys at Jabar LaLiberty & Dubord, LLC in Maine.
How drivers who regularly drink, consume marijuana behave on the road
AAA, the national driving association, recently conducted a study analyzing the dangers posed by drivers who regularly consume alcohol and marijuana. Regular consumption was defined as someone who drinks alcohol and consumes marijuana at least once a month. In the AAA driver survey, researchers discovered that drivers who regularly consume alcohol and marijuana are more likely to engage in risky behaviors on the road, including:
- Speeding – 55 percent of respondents who have taken both alcohol and marijuana within the past 30 days said they would likely speed, compared to 35 percent of drivers who only consume alcohol.
- Texting while driving – 40 percent of respondents who regularly drink and consume marijuana said they would likely text while driving, compared to 21 percent of drivers who only drink alcohol.
- Intentionally running a red light – 48 percent of drivers who regularly drink and consume marijuana said they would intentionally run a red light, compared to 32 percent of drivers who only drink alcohol.
- Driving more aggressively than other drivers in general – 52 percent of drivers who drink alcohol and consume marijuana described themselves as aggressive drivers, compared to 32 percent of drivers who only drink alcohol.
“These data show the alarming impact of alcohol and marijuana use on the choices drivers make when they get behind the wheel,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “From choosing to drive while impaired, and speeding, to driving distracted or running red lights, using these two drugs leads to poor decision-making with potentially fatal consequences.”
What are your options if a driver under the influence causes your accident?
If a driver under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs caused your accident, you often have the right to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, replacement income, your pain and suffering, and other compensable expenses.
Don’t underestimate the complexity or the seriousness of your case. Talk to a lawyer from Jabar LaLiberty & Dubord, LLC in Maine. We can answer your questions and explain the legal options available to you. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation at our Portland or Waterville office.