CANNABIS FACTOR IN FATALITIES

AUCKLAND - More than one in five drivers who died on the roads in a
two-year period had been smoking cannabis in the hours before they crashed,
a new study has found.

As the Labour-led Government pledges to review cannabis laws, the marijuana
study paid for by the Land Transport Safety Authority has sparked calls for
further research into the hazards of the drug and driving. Researchers say
that, when combined with alcohol, cannabis and cars are a lethal mix.

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research study found 82 of a
sample of 386 drivers killed in fatal road accidents from 1995 to 1997 had
cannabis in their bloodstreams.

Fifty-four per cent of the cannabis smokers were over the legal alcohol
limit. A further 10 per cent had been drinking but were legally allowed to
drive. ESR scientist Helen Poulsen, who headed the study, said she was
surprised at the high number of cannabis smokers among the victims. The
forensic toxicologist said cannabis mixed with alcohol was dangerous for
drivers because the drug seemed to make drinkers more drunk. While the
tests indicated the drivers had smoked at least 12 to 24 hours before the
crash, "if they were heavy smokers, we could pick it up two to three days
afterwards".

Former ESR scientist John Bailey, who also worked on the study, said most
of the cannabis smokers who died on the roads were males in their 30s.
"What we found is that drivers who smoked cannabis and drank alcohol were
worse drivers. It seems to exaggerate the effects of alcohol and makes your
driving worse," he said.

The marijuana smokers were not speeding as much as the drinking drivers.
"We certainly need more research into this. It's a complex issue. We're not
sure if the cannabis is important or whether it's lifestyle factors, such
as careless driving."