Webinar Archives-Risk and Safety: Driving Under the Influence

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This Aflo Learning webinar, led by Phil Moser, addresses the rising issue of impaired driving, emphasizing all types of impairment—alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit substances, and marijuana. Despite a decline in driving during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol-related traffic deaths increased sharply, with over 13,000 fatalities in 2021 alone. Moser stresses zero tolerance for impaired driving, highlighting the surge in self-medicating and drug use due to pandemic-related mental health struggles.<br /><br />Marijuana legalization and normalization complicate the landscape, with 19 states allowing recreational use and 18 states permitting medical use. Data from states like Washington and Colorado show significant increases in marijuana-related traffic fatalities post-legalization. Impairment signs from marijuana mirror those seen with alcohol, including poor coordination and slow reactions. Edibles pose special risks due to delayed effects, leading to unintentional overconsumption.<br /><br />Moser debunks myths such as “driving high is safer than drunk driving” and the misconception that medical marijuana use protects against DUI charges. He advocates for strong workplace policies banning impaired driving at all times, pre-hire testing, and strict consequences including termination. New methods like saliva tests and drug recognition experts aim to improve detection. He also cautions about risks of transporting marijuana across state lines. Ultimately, education, robust policies, and enforcement are critical to combating this lethal and preventable threat on roadways.

Keywords

impaired driving

marijuana legalization

traffic fatalities

drugged driving detection

workplace drug policies

COVID-19 impact on substance use

marijuana impairment signs