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