Marijuana and Driver Behaviors: Historic and Social Observations among Fatal Accident Operators and a Control Sample

Sterling-Smith, Robert S.; Graham, David D. · 1976 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1976 report, prepared for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by the Boston University Traffic Accident Research Special Study Team, investigates the relationship between marijuana use and driver behavior. The study was motivated by conflicting evidence regarding the effects of marijuana intoxication on driving and a prior finding that 45% of operators responsible for fatal accidents in the greater Boston area were regular marijuana smokers. The research aimed to determine if marijuana smokers were over-represented in fatal accident statistics compared to the general driving population. The study utilized a comparative design involving two distinct samples collected in the greater Boston area. The experimental sample consisted of 267 operators deemed "most responsible" for fatal motor vehicle accidents occurring between September 1971 and February 1974. The control sample comprised 801 operators randomly selected from the same geographic area, matched for sex, age, and residence, who had no history of fatal accidents. Data collection included demographic, psychosocial, and substance use histories. The experimental sample contained 121 marijuana smokers (45%) and 146 non-smokers, while the control sample included 272 smokers (34%) and 529 non-smokers. Additionally, 43 experimental operators were clinically evaluated as being marijuana-influenced at the time of their fatal crash. The analysis revealed significant differences between the four subgroups. Control marijuana smokers were characterized as "over-achievers," being younger, better educated, more successfully employed, and in better health than experimental smokers, who were "under-achievers." Control smokers were heavier users, preferring marijuana to alcohol and smoking several times a week to relax. Self-reports from control smokers indicated they perceived impairment in mental and physical tasks associated with driving, particularly in unfamiliar roads, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar vehicles. In contrast, experimental smokers exhibited poorer socioeconomic outcomes and higher rates of problem drinking. The 43 operators identified as marijuana-influenced during their fatal accidents were analyzed for specific accident characteristics and human factor stress items. The findings suggest that marijuana use patterns and associated demographic profiles differ markedly between drivers involved in fatal accidents and those who are not. While control smokers acknowledged potential driving impairments and perceived higher risks in complex driving situations, experimental smokers displayed lower socioeconomic status and higher comorbidity with alcohol problems. The study highlights the complexity of attributing accidents to marijuana, noting that while some laboratory studies suggest marijuana causes less risk than alcohol, real-world fatal accident data shows a distinct profile for marijuana-using drivers involved in fatalities. The report underscores the need for further investigation into the specific behavioral alterations and risk perceptions of marijuana-influenced drivers.

Key finding

Control marijuana smokers were significantly more educated and occupationally successful than experimental marijuana smokers, who were characterized as under-achievers, while 16% of fatal accident operators were clinically evaluated as marijuana-influenced at the time of collision.

Methodology

other

Sample size: 1068

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• cannabis
• illicit drugs
• polydrug

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence