AAA Sees Increase In Traffic Fatalities, Factors In Drugged Driving

traffic-safe-18
traffic-safe-18

The subject of drugged driving was part of the focus of a AAA summit on impaired driving held this week in Dearborn. AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland tells WSJM News representatives of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, Michigan State Police, and AAA talked about the increase in fatalities caused by impaired driving. Relatively new to the discussion is marijuana.

“It’s certainly timely, considering the sharp increase in traffic incidences,” Woodland said. “Many attribute it to impaired driving over the past few years.”

Woodland says the experts talked about how to detect drugged driving, which can be more difficult than detecting drunk driving. Among the options are using oral fluid to find drugged drivers. She notes there were 275 drug involved traffic fatalities in Michigan in 2021, making up 24% of those killed in crashes.

“There are many substances that can impair your driving. Cannabis is legal in Michigan, but it’s just you’ve got to make sure you’re not driving after using it.”

Woodland says there were 357 alcohol-involved traffic fatalities in Michigan in 2021. AAA is now telling everyone they need to arrange for a ride both when drinking and when using marijuana. The group will continue pushing the message in its campaigns in 2023.