As if the roads in Washington State and elsewhere are not dangerous enough, it seems synthetic substances are adding to the hazards. When you consider how many large, heavy trucks share the nation’s roads this new danger is especially frightening.
Synthetic marijuana goes by many names such as K2, spice, serenity and paradise, and experts say these substances are very dangerous. Reportedly, the effects of marijuana substitutes are critically unpredictable and can have a powerful impact on the brain. It seems that blacking out while driving is one of the effects of this substance. A news source listed several motor vehicle accidents that occurred due to a driver blacking out after consuming synthetic pot.
Now that marijuana is legal in Washington it is hard to understand why people turn to synthetics, but the answer is actually simple. In most cases, they use synthetic pot substitutes to pass standard drug tests. It is also easy for those under 18 to buy synthetic substances. Unfortunately, these substances are often available for purchase via the Internet and even in some convenience stores.
As you might imagine, drivers who hold commercial licenses must often submit to drug testing. Looking at the issue realistically, it is possible that at least some of the drivers operating semis and other heavy trucks in Southeastern Washington are under the influence of synthetic substances. In fact, the news article mentioned a New York truck accident involving a dump truck in which the driver tested positive for synthetic marijuana. Unfortunately, two occupants of the other vehicle were killed in the crash.
With the unpredictability of synthetic marijuana’s effects and its powerful impact on the brain, use of the substance represents a real danger. If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, you might consider asking a personal injury attorney to investigate whether or not the truck operator was under the influence of such substances.
Source: Seattle Times, “Drivers are blacking out on synthetic pot, alarming police, health experts,” Lynn Thompson, March 08, 2016
