Transportation
Medical Marijuana Laws May Lead to Fewer Traffic Deaths
Researchers link a drop in beer consumption, and resulting drunk driving, with the availability of medical pot
Research over the years has highlighted a number of public policies that have proven effective at reducing traffic fatalities. Increasing the drinking age to 21 reduced deaths by about 9 percent. And mandatory seat belt laws have had a similar impact in saving the lives of 14-to-18-year-olds.
Policy-makers may now want to add to this list an unexpected intervention: Legalize medical marijuana.