Seniors Driving High: A Hidden Traffic Risk

Efforts to curb driving while high have largely overlooked a significant risk posed by older adults. A new study indicates that approximately 20% of individuals aged 50 and above who use cannabis reported driving under its influence at least once in the past year. This behavior is notably more common among those who consume cannabis daily, making them three times more prone to driving while impaired than infrequent users.

The research, which analyzed data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, found that men were 72% more likely than women to drive after cannabis use. A substantial number of older adults report using cannabis for mental health reasons or to aid sleep, with those using it for mood-related issues being twice as likely to drive stoned. This suggests a need to address self-treatment with cannabis.

Experts emphasize that awareness campaigns should extend beyond young people to include middle-aged and senior cannabis users. Providing information on alternative, more proven treatments for mental health and sleep problems is crucial. Messages targeting high-risk individuals could also incorporate guidance on safer alternatives for managing underlying health conditions.