The latest episode of the Driving Change Podcast dives into the surprising truths behind cannabis use and traffic safety. Featuring expert insights from Sarah Hacker of UC San Diego’s TREDS program, this conversation unpacks eye-opening research that challenges assumptions, reveals risky behaviors, and highlights the power of targeted education—even in states where cannabis remains illegal.
With a background in cognitive neuroscience and years of experience studying driver behavior, Hacker shares insights from a recent TREDS collaboration with the AAA Foundation. The study spanned eight states with varying cannabis laws—including Texas—and revealed surprising trends:
- Cannabis use is widespread, regardless of legality, with 30–35% of surveyed drivers using monthly.
- Knowledge gaps are stark in “illegal” states like Texas, where only 28% of users knew the laws.
- Driving within an hour of cannabis use was more common in illegal states (60%) than legal ones (44%).
- Messaging matters: In Texas, fewer users had seen cannabis-driving warnings, but those who did were more likely to change their behavior.
TREDS tested eight public safety messages, with three standing out:
- “Driving high is driving impaired. Find a safe ride home.”
- “Feel different, drive different.”
- “THC slows reaction time, distorts perception, and increases the risk of a car crash. Don’t drive high.”
Hacker emphasizes the need for education in all states, legal or not. The data shows that informed users make safer choices. Her call to action? Use proven messaging strategies to close the knowledge gap and reduce impaired driving risks.
What’s Next?
Hacker calls for more research tying survey data to real-world outcomes—law enforcement stats, crash reports, poly-substance use, and medical cannabis challenges (how do patients drive safely?). TREDS’ report, fresh off the press from AAA, is your next read for the full scoop.
Wrap-Up: Act Now, Save Lives
Cannabis use isn’t waiting for legalization, and neither should our education efforts. Craft messages that link feeling high to driving risks, lean on social responsibility, and get them out there.
Listen to the full episode for more insights and visit treds.ucsd.edu to explore free educational resources.
