Marijuana and Driving Do Not Mix

 Driving impaired is dangerous regardless of the substance involved. While alcohol impairment has long been recognized as a major safety issue, there is growing concern about marijuana impaired driving, especially among youth and young adults.

One of the most harmful misconceptions surrounding marijuana is the belief that it does not significantly impair driving ability. Research shows otherwise. Marijuana can affect reaction time, coordination, depth perception, attention, and judgment. These are all critical skills needed for safe driving.


For inexperienced drivers, the risks are even greater. Teen drivers already face increased crash risk due to limited driving experience. Adding impairment further reduces their ability to react to sudden hazards or changing road conditions.

In rural Idaho communities like Lemhi County, these dangers are magnified. Drivers often travel long distances on highways with limited lighting, sharp curves, gravel roads, wildlife crossings, and unpredictable weather. Safe driving in these conditions requires full attention and quick reaction time. Impairment leaves far less room for error.

Graduation season and summer months increase concern because youth are more likely to travel to social gatherings, stay out later, and drive with peers in the vehicle. Research has shown that peer passengers can already increase risky driving behaviors among teens. When impairment is added to the situation, the consequences can become devastating.

Prevention efforts must continue emphasizing that impaired driving is impaired driving, regardless of the substance involved. Communities have spent decades building awareness around alcohol impaired driving, and similar conversations are now needed regarding marijuana impairment.

Parents and caregivers can help by having direct conversations about driving safety and by modeling responsible behavior themselves. Youth are influenced by what they observe from adults, including how adults talk about and approach substance use.

Communities also play an important role in reinforcing safe norms. Prevention campaigns, school messaging, and community events help reinforce the expectation that youth should never drive under the influence or ride with an impaired driver.

Protecting rural roads means protecting the people who travel them. Prevention and awareness help ensure that graduation season and summer memories are not overshadowed by preventable tragedy.

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