Will Marijuana Driving Deaths Increase if Prop 64 Passes?

Sep 28,2016

A new study shows marijuana driving deaths are on the rise in California. Marijuana was involved in 21% of fatal crashes in California in 2015, a 3% increase from 2014. In 2015, 252 people were killed in fatal crashes involving marijuana. According to a new study, 41% of California drivers under the influence of marijuana who were involved in a fatal crash were under the age of 25. Of those drivers, 39% were speeding, compared to 27% of of drivers in other fatal crashes.

While marijuana is only available for medical reasons in California, Prop 64, which will be voted on in November, would allow for the recreational use of the drug. In Colorado and Washington, marijuana was involved in 24% of fatal crashes last year. Both states have had recreational marijuana legalized for the past two years.

Despite the increase in marijuana driving fatalities, the rate of opiate driving fatalities has remained 6% for the past five years.

“Drugged driving is a significant factor in fatal crashes, and the rate of marijuana driving deaths is likely to worsen if marijuana is legalized for recreational use in California,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.