As the tides of marijuana legalization roll in, let’s steer clear of the haze – marijuana may be legal in many places, but NEVER when driving. No, not even in that one state.
With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to reinforce the importance of focused, sober driving across our fleets.
- Understanding High Risks While Driving High: Marijuana use can cloud judgment, slow reaction times, and mess with coordination. Fleet drivers, or any drivers, that use marijuana while driving are not only breaking the law, but putting their jobs, their company, their livelihood, their lives, and the lives of others at risk.
- Effects on Driving: Studies show that THC can impair critical driving skills for up to several hours.
- Stay Within the Law: Regardless of state laws legalizing recreational or medicinal marijuana, driving under the influence remains illegal and risky.
Tips for Keeping Your Fleet Safe and Sober:
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: Be clear about one thing – no high/distracted driving. Enforce a strict drug policy that includes marijuana.
- Testing Keeps Us Honest: Random drug tests aren’t just about compliance; they’re about safety for everyone on the road.
- Support Your Fabulous Fleet Drivers: Offer support services and resources for counseling and rehabilitation to help Fleet Drivers (and all employees!) adhere to your rules and maintain their well-being.
- Education is Power: Regular workshops and training on the effects of marijuana and SAFER driving practices are a must to keep your business from going up in smoke.
Startling Stats to Drive The Point Home:
- Driving with THC in the system increases crash risks by 25%.
- Post-marijuana legalization stats show that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol: the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis)-related traffic deaths have doubled in some regions.
- Research indicates that drivers who test positive for marijuana are roughly twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who are drug-free.
In the world of fleet management, safety is paramount.
It’s on us to keep our drivers informed, our policies strong, and our roads safe. NTSI driver safety programs are designed to keep your fleet safe and compliant. With over 50 years of experience, NTSI can help you navigate the haze on the road—marijuana or otherwise—to keep your drivers SAFER.
