How does the legalization of weed affect Ignition Interlocks?

Marijuana is now legal in some way in nearly 30 states, including the District of Columbia. 10 states have legalized, or are about to legalize, weed.

What does this mean for Ignition Interlocks?

Drugged and Drunken Driving

Driving while impaired is dangerous, whether with alcohol or drugs. What’s even more dangerous is driving with both alcohol and drugs in your system, including marijuana.

Ignition Interlocks only measure someone’s breath alcohol concentration. This is helpful for roadside testing from law enforcement to test on suspected impaired drivers.

Although Ignition Interlocks do not measure marijuana use, they are a proven tool to help reduce the number of drunken drivers on our roadways. If the individual is drunk and under the influence of drugs, an Ignition Interlock, when installed in their vehicle, will stop the individual from driving.

Recent Studies on Marijuana and Car Crashes

Consuming marijuana will impair your motor coordination and attention, among other factors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) mentioned that marijuana users were about 25 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who are sober.

In fact, some states are seeing an unfortunate change on their roadways since legalizing weed.

Now that more states, such as Colorado, Oregon and Washington, have legalized weed for recreational use, they are seeing an increase in vehicle collisions. The state that has sold pot legally the longest is Colorado, and its collision claims increased 16 percent. The study says that the total number of vehicle crash claims would be 3 percent less if weed weren’t legal in these states.

Do you need to install an Ignition Interlock? As the nationwide leader, you are in good hands with Smart Start. Call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 or fill out our quick and simple online form.