When the marijuana ban was first being discussed in Yakima the Chief of Police and some council members expressed concern for the potential growth of drugged driving crimes.  Critics of the ban dismissed the very thought of such a thing.  Now it seems to be coming to pass in a number of regions of the country.  A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association says drugs were found in the bodies of almost 40 percent of fatally-injured drivers who were tested for them.

That rivals the number of drivers who died with alcohol in their system. The number of dead drivers who tested positive for drugs has increased from 29 percent in 2005 to 39.9 percent in 2013.

While not the only reason, The Washington Post says the legalization of marijuana in several states is in part to blame.  Another growing concern is the illegal use of prescription drugs which has quadrupled since 1999.

Bottom line - You now

Astrid Riecken For The Washington Post
Astrid Riecken For The Washington Post
loading...

have twice as many reasons for extra vigilance when you get behind the wheel.

 

More From News Talk KIT