The state of Colorado paved the way when it comes to legalizing the recreational use of marijuana a few years ago. Since then, seven other states along with the District of Columbia have followed suit. However, just as with drinking alcohol, this does not mean that drivers should feel free to smoke or consume any form of pot and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, it may well be that some drivers are doing precisely that.
Results from a study conducted by the research firm, Highway Loss Data Institute are said to prove that there have been a greater number of vehicular insurance claims made since marijuana was legalized. This is found to be the case not only in Colorado but also in Oregon and Washington. The data that was reviewed spanned almost five years from the beginning of 2012 until the autumn of 2016.
Insurance claims from the three states where pot was legal were compared against other states. In the analysis, adjustments were made to accommodate for any differences that may have included the age and gender of drivers, overall population, weather and other factors.
As the summer travel season is now in full swing, Colorado residents will want to pay special attention to signs that drivers around them may potentially be impaired. If an accident does occur, working with an attorney may provide useful guidance on how to seek compensation and protect one's rights.
Source: NBC29.com, "Insurance study ties legal pot to boost in car crash claims," Solomon Banda, June 21, 2017
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