As attitudes toward marijuana change, more drivers in North Carolina and throughout the country may share the road with those who are impaired by the drug. However, there is no reliable test that can be used to determine if an individual is too impaired to drive. Another problem with marijuana testing is that it may detect traces of the substance in a person long after it has been used. Therefore, someone who tests positive for marijuana may not actually be under its influence.
In some cases, it’s possible to infer impairment by observing a driver’s behavior. A drug recognition expert may be brought in to determine if a person is showing signs that he or she is under the influence of marijuana. There were 8,606 such experts in the United States in 2017, and they are also used in Canada and Europe. Their observations can be combined with drug tests and other evidence to come to an educated conclusion as to whether a driver has recently used marijuana.
According to a study from the American Transportation Research Institute, collecting data related to marijuana impairment may help. This information could be used to determine policy or help educate the public about the potential issues of operating a vehicle while high on the substance.
Drugged driving can be especially hazardous when large trucks are involved. Anyone who is injured in a truck crash may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. An attorney could review witness statements or police reports to determine if negligence caused the plaintiff to experience injuries. Personal injury cases may be settled outside of court or resolved through a formal trial.