Weed vs. Booze in DUI Road Test Study
June 2nd, 2009 by Russ
Many disciples of the herb believe that driving under its influence is simply a matter of focusing their chi properly before taking the wheel. A few deep breathing exercises, some choice tunes, and many enthusiasts feel ready to navigate the roads to Carl’s Jr. Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University put the test to local weed drivers to prove their prowess against a cadre of booze-guzzling DUIs in waiting.
The driving test more closely resembled a vintage ‘B’ movie than The French Connection. Test subjects drove a stationary Cadillac situated in front of a movie screen depicting simulated traffic conditions. Drivers were given marijuana, road sodas (screwdriver mix), or placebo.
As expected, the placebo group tested far better than the ones intoxicated by alcohol. Weed drivers came down somewhere in the middle, showing some levels of impairment, but taking a much more cautious approach than their in the bag counterparts.
Undoubtedly, many blazing Gran Turismo gamers will dispute the findings of the study, saying that weed only helps them hone in on their craft. While more in-depth studies can certainly be conducted, the study did seem to acknowledge an age-old truth about stoners — they are nothing if not self-aware.
