What effect does marijuana have on driving?

Marijuana has a significant impact on driving abilities, primarily by impairing concentration and judgment. When under the influence of marijuana, a driver may experience reduced attention span and difficulty focusing on multiple tasks, critical for safe driving. This impairment affects a driver's ability to make quick decisions, react to unexpected situations, and maintain situational awareness, all of which are essential for navigating the road safely.

Additionally, marijuana can alter perception, which can affect depth perception and the ability to judge distances accurately. This can lead to risky driving behaviors, such as misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles or failing to notice traffic signals and other important cues.

Understanding how marijuana affects cognitive functions and reaction times is crucial for promoting safe driving practices and making informed choices about substance use prior to getting behind the wheel.