You might think that the legalization of recreational marijuana would increase the number of car accidents and auto fatalities in the United States. After all, with marijuana more readily available, wouldn't people be more likely to be driving while intoxicated? Two recent studies seem to disagree on this matter.
Is the legalization of marijuana increasing car accidents?
Truck drivers and sleep apnea
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers who suffer from sleep apnea represent a serious national concern. There are numerous commercial truck drivers on our nation's highways being forced to drive through the night, skip sleep and drive their vehicles while they're extremely fatigued. When this situation is combined with a driver who suffers from sleep apnea, the driver will be even more fatigued, and more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
How can I avoid a truck accident?
Commercial truck drivers need to be careful not to hit the smaller, lighter and more nimble vehicles that surround them on Washington's highways. The drivers of small vehicles also need to take precautions, which can prevent an injurious or fatal crash.
