Marijuana could make roads safer, say US academics

Adam Vidler Associate Producer, 9NEWS.com.au

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Road fatalities have dropped in Colorado since marijuana was legalised, putting to bed fears of “drugged drivers” turning the roads into a bloodbath.

Figures published in the Washington Post showed that in 2014, road fatalities had been lower than in 2013 for five of the seven months so far.

Colorado has averaged 300 July fatalities every year since 2002, but figures showed about 250 deaths had been recorded on the roads in July in 2014.

The Post said opponents of legalising marijuana had warned that drivers would drive after partaking, becoming a danger on the roads.

Researchers at the University of Oregon have claimed marijuana could make the roads safer, as it would become a replacement for alcohol and cause less driver impairment.

Full Article:

http://www.9news.com.au/world/2014/08/07/03/13/road-fatalities-at-all-time-low-since-marijuana-legalised-in-colorado