What is the impact of marijuana use on driving skills?

Marijuana use significantly impacts driving skills by impairing coordination, reaction time, and distance judgment. This impairment occurs because THC, the active component in marijuana, affects areas of the brain responsible for these critical functions. When coordination is compromised, a driver may struggle with tasks such as steering or maintaining lane position. Reaction time is slowed, meaning it takes longer for a driver to respond to unexpected situations like a pedestrian crossing the street or a sudden obstacle. Additionally, distance judgment can become distorted, making it challenging to accurately assess how far away other vehicles or objects are, leading to potential accidents. Understanding this impact is crucial for emphasizing the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana and ensuring road safety.