Pubdate: Thu, 09 Dec 2010
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2010 Terrell Faulk
Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/
Website: http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Terrell Faulk

IMPAIRED IS IMPAIRED

To begin with, there is a limit for everything. So, I completely 
stand in favor of a proposal to limit the amount of marijuana one may 
consume before getting behind the wheel of a car. To be clear, I have 
nothing against those who responsibly use marijuana in moderation. 
However, much like alcohol, compulsive consumption of marijuana has 
harmful side effects.

For starters, marijuana impairs one's judgment, perception, and 
coordination. Secondly, it impedes alertness and also reduces 
reaction time. Depending on one's tolerance, this can ultimately 
interfere with a person's motor skills and his or her ability to 
operate a vehicle. Is driving while stoned safer than drunk driving? 
Furthermore, how can driving under the influence ever be considered safe?

In my opinion, every time a person gets behind the wheel, stoned or 
drunk, they inadvertently place other motorists' lives in danger. No 
matter how you slice it, impaired is impaired. Still some would 
arguethat marijuana makes you drive more defensively and cautiously 
slower. Plus, statistically, car fatalities attributed to marijuana 
use are far less than alcohol-related fatal car crashes. Still, 
marijuana consumed in heavy doses is just as detrimental to motorists 
as alcohol. With this in mind, there should be a prescribed limit on 
marijuana while driving.

Terrell Faulk

Colorado Springs
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