Since the legalization of recreational marijuana use in October 2018, it might be easy for drivers to underestimate the drug’s effects and misjudge their driving abilities. A survey from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) found that an increasing number of fatally-injured drivers test positive for marijuana use. In contrast, the number of fatally-injured drivers testing positive for alcohol use has decreased over the same time period.
Yet the extent to which marijuana impairs skills and cognition while driving is widely debated. Since there isn’t a universal definition of “drugged driving” and no specific amount of marijuana indicates impairment in all bodies, lawmakers and insurance experts struggle to set clear guidelines for drivers.
If drivers are involved in a collision with marijuana in their system, they receive the same DUI charge they would face if they had alcohol in their system. And they can face the same harsh penalties: suspension of a license or imposition of fines. In more serious cases, they could face criminal charges or even jail. This reality adds up to legal troubles and auto insurance penalties.
So if you choose to use marijuana, how can you protect yourself and other drivers through your auto insurance policy?
Begin by understanding how the new laws define driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. In Ontario, for example, there is a zero-tolerance policy in place for drivers under the age of 21.
Take stock of your body’s response to the drug. Consider the various side effects that users experience after consuming marijuana, which is typically a result of frequency of use, and be familiar with your own pattern of reaction. Even if you’re aware of marijuana’s effects on your body, remember that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis, can remain in the bloodstream for at least 30 days after it’s consumed.
Don’t underestimate the considerable risks related to your auto insurance. Once you have a DUI on your record – whether for alcohol or drugs – if you’re involved in a collision, that DUI is damaging to your auto insurance policy. You would become a red flag and your insurance premium would likely skyrocket or, in an extreme case, your policy could be cancelled. It can be extremely difficult to obtain insurance elsewhere.
Additionally, your driver’s license could be suspended, and you might need to pay certain fees and even pass any relevant driving tests in order to renew it.
The risks are compounded if you have others on your auto insurance policy. For instance, parents need to be aware of the implications their teenager’s marijuana use can have on their insurance if they’re involved in a collision. Consider an umbrella policy as an extra layer of protection in the event your teen driver causes serious harm.
It’s clear that cannabis use impairs drivers, endangers others, and puts insurance rates in jeopardy. Don’t underestimate the risks or mistake it as a benign substance. Reach out to your HUB broker to protect yourself and understand how to mitigate your risks.
