Cannabis Use and Reckless Driving
Cannabis use and driving under the influence of cannabis are increasing phenomena in Canada. Consequently, the detrimental consequences of this psychoactive substance on road safety deserve serious consideration. This study investigated the relation between cannabis use and reckless driving. The sample included men and women between the ages of 17 and 69, holding a valid driver’s license issued by the province of Quebec. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires administered with a standardized protocol. Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed the importance of cannabis use as a predictor of risky and aggressive driving even after controlling statistically for age, gender and driving exposure. Logistic regression analyses indicated that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of receiving a conviction for a Highway Safety Code infraction. Furthermore, occasional cannabis consumption among individuals aged 35 years or more was associated with an increased risk of road collision. The results show that cannabis use and reckless driving are interrelated, supporting the theory of “problem behaviour”.