Honestly, the date April 20th—better known as 4/20—has basically become an unofficial national holiday. While people across the country gather to celebrate cannabis culture, there's a serious side to the party that the American Automobile Association (AAA) is getting increasingly loud about.
It’s not just a buzzkill. It's about math and reaction times.
AAA recently put out a pretty stern warning: AAA warns of increased risk of impaired driving on 4/20, and the data they’re looking at is honestly a bit sobering. Even though more states have legalized recreational use, the physics of a car crash hasn’t changed. When you’re high, your brain just doesn’t talk to your feet and hands as fast as it needs to.
The Numbers Behind the High
You might think you're a "better" driver when you're stoned because you go slower. But AAA's research says otherwise. A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 85% of cannabis users admit to driving within eight hours of using. Even more wild? About 53% of them get behind the wheel within an hour of consuming.
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That’s a massive window of risk.
According to David Yang, the Executive Director of the AAA Foundation, the problem is often "self-perception." People think they’re fine. In fact, some survey respondents told AAA they thought they drove better while high because they were being "extra careful." But being "careful" doesn't help when a kid chases a ball into the street and your foot takes an extra half-second to hit the brake. At 40 mph, that extra half-second means you’ve traveled another 30 feet before you even start slowing down.
Why 4/20 is Different
On a normal Tuesday, maybe you have a few people lighting up. On April 20th, the volume of users on the road spikes. This creates what safety experts call "high stakes" on the nation's roadways.
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- Poly-substance use: This is the big one. AAA points out that on 4/20, people often mix cannabis with alcohol. That "cross-faded" state doesn't just double the impairment; it often multiplies it.
- Edibles are a wildcard: Edibles take forever to kick in. You might eat a gummy, feel nothing, think "I'm good to drive to the store," and then have it hit you like a ton of bricks while you're sitting at a red light.
- The 40% Stat: A recent study of deceased drivers in certain regions showed that over 40% tested positive for active THC. This isn't just "residual" stuff from last week; it's active delta-9-THC, meaning they were likely high at the moment of the crash.
What Actually Happens to Your Driving?
It's not like being drunk where you might be aggressive and swerving all over the place (though weaving is a major sign of THC impairment).
Instead, cannabis tends to mess with your divided attention.
Driving is basically just one long game of multitasking. You’re checking mirrors, maintaining speed, watching the car in front of you, and scanning for pedestrians. Marijuana makes your brain focus on one thing really hard while ignoring the others. You might be great at staying in your lane, but you completely miss the stop sign because you were "locked in" on the lane lines.
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How to Stay Safe (and Legal)
Basically, if you feel different, you drive different. It's a simple rule, but people ignore it.
- Plan the ride before you start. Seriously. Once you’re high, your judgment is already compromised. You're going to talk yourself into thinking you're "good to go." Book the Uber at 3:00 PM if the party starts at 4:20.
- The 8-hour rule. Some experts suggest waiting at least 8 hours after smoking before even thinking about touching a steering wheel. If you took edibles? Make it 12.
- Use the "Tow to Go" service. In some regions, AAA offers a "Tow to Go" program during major holidays. It’s a free service that takes you and your car home safely. Check if it's active in your area for 4/20.
- Watch out for others. Even if you’re stone-cold sober, remember that the person in the lane next to you might not be. On 4/20, drive like everyone else is impaired. Give extra following distance.
Practical Steps for April 20th
If you're planning on participating, treat it with the same gravity you would New Year's Eve or St. Patrick's Day. The police know what day it is, too. There are usually increased patrols and "Drug Recognition Experts" (DREs) out in force. These are officers specifically trained to spot the physical signs of drug impairment that a breathalyzer won't catch.
Don't risk a DUI that will follow you for a decade just for a quick trip to Taco Bell.
Next steps for you:
- Check your local AAA branch to see if "Tow to Go" is available in your zip code.
- Download a rideshare app and set up your payment info now so you aren't fumbling with it later.
- If you're hosting, make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and a couch for friends who shouldn't be driving.