Attitudes of young people toward driving after smoking cannabis or after drinking alcohol

Abstract

Objective Currently there is a public welfare debate about the acute effects of cannabis and risk of motor vehicle accidents. This study sought to disclose young people's attitudes, values, and willingness to drive after smoking cannabis, and their awareness of the potential risks. Design Focus group interviews which contrasted attitudes and beliefs about drinking and driving with those about smoking cannabis and driving. Setting At the college or workplace where young people were either studying or working. Method Five focus groups comprising peers from the same work/study environment, each addressing the same set of key issues. Results Young people appear to be knowledgeable about the risks of drinking and driving, and hold a culture wide value that such behaviour is antisocial. This is in stark contrast to their willingness to smoke cannabis and drive coupled with poorly developed values and knowledge about the risks involved. Conclusion Young people appear to be risk averse when it comes to drink- driving, but willing to take risks with smoking cannabis and driving. The difference probably arises from the well developed public health campaigns and education aimed to discourage drink-driving. It is therefore reasonable to be optimistic that health education could change attitudes and willingness to drive after smoking cannabis.