Marijuana can have many side effects on drivers, such as making them disoriented or reducing reaction time. However, people throughout West Virginia and the rest of the country believe that texting while driving is more hazardous than driving while influenced by marijuana. This was one of the findings of a poll commissioned by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Overall, 98 percent of respondents said that texting while driving was a dangerous habit.

Only 91 percent said driving while influenced by marijuana was a dangerous habit. Although researchers haven’t yet linked marijuana use to more crashes specifically, evidence does suggest that it plays a role in causing them. This has inspired some to call for levels of impairment at which a person should not be allowed to drive. There have also been calls to increase awareness of the issue of marijuana-impaired driving.

Public awareness programs may also help to educate drivers of the hazards of driving while impaired in general. Similar efforts have attempted to educate drivers as to why they shouldn’t drive while drunk or distracted. Parents may be able to have a positive influence on their children by talking to them about the issues related to driving after using drugs.

Those who cause motor vehicle accidents because of negligent driving may be liable for damages incurred by injured victims. In some cases, it is possible for injured victims to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future earnings. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the driver’s employer or other related parties could be liable for compensating an injured victim as well. An attorney may be helpful during settlement talks or a formal trial.