by Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
Recreational marijuana is now legal in 19 States (including New York) and Washington, DC, with more to surely follow. When driving in States that have legalized recreational marijuana, one can frequently smell marijuana being expelled from the car in front or to the side. It has virtually become as common as cigarette smoke and is almost as ubiquitous. The financial and political gain to States is an undeniable consideration in adopting such legalization. But more importantly, there appears to be minimal consideration being given for motor vehicle safety which is all but up in smoke.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and in the wake of our widespread acceptance of recreational marijuana, motor vehicle accidents have increased 6% to approximately 6 Million per year. That is an increase of 360,000 accidents per year. Reportedly in 2021, 42,915 people died in motor vehicle accidents representing a 4% increase in fatalities since the far reaching legalization of recreational marijuana. That means that in 2021 1,716 more people died. While this figure may pale in comparison to the amount of additional injuries and deaths Americans will suffer from our open border policy, it is still close to 2,000 more families per year that will unnecessarily have to live with the pain of losing a loved one.
The legalization of recreational marijuana represents a reversal of what has been traditionally viewed as an illegal vice and such reversal is not without consequences. Perhaps it represents yet another brick in the wall of disjuncture in our Divided States of America. Law has traditionally been used defensively to maintain function, order and civility in society. Unfortunately, today our laws are being used as weapons, which countermands their intended purpose with untold ramifications. When politicians subjectively pick and choose which laws to pass and enforce, the degradation of society is not far behind. That is why we must very carefully pick and choose the politicians we designate to represent us.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
www.liattorney.com
Recreational marijuana is now legal in 19 States (including New York) and Washington, DC, with more to surely follow. When driving in States that have legalized recreational marijuana, one can frequently smell marijuana being expelled from the car in front or to the side. It has virtually become as common as cigarette smoke and is almost as ubiquitous. The financial and political gain to States is an undeniable consideration in adopting such legalization. But more importantly, there appears to be minimal consideration being given for motor vehicle safety which is all but up in smoke.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and in the wake of our widespread acceptance of recreational marijuana, motor vehicle accidents have increased 6% to approximately 6 Million per year. That is an increase of 360,000 accidents per year. Reportedly in 2021, 42,915 people died in motor vehicle accidents representing a 4% increase in fatalities since the far reaching legalization of recreational marijuana. That means that in 2021 1,716 more people died. While this figure may pale in comparison to the amount of additional injuries and deaths Americans will suffer from our open border policy, it is still close to 2,000 more families per year that will unnecessarily have to live with the pain of losing a loved one.
The legalization of recreational marijuana represents a reversal of what has been traditionally viewed as an illegal vice and such reversal is not without consequences. Perhaps it represents yet another brick in the wall of disjuncture in our Divided States of America. Law has traditionally been used defensively to maintain function, order and civility in society. Unfortunately, today our laws are being used as weapons, which countermands their intended purpose with untold ramifications. When politicians subjectively pick and choose which laws to pass and enforce, the degradation of society is not far behind. That is why we must very carefully pick and choose the politicians we designate to represent us.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
www.liattorney.com
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