THE EDITOR, Sir:
DRIVERS WHO have used cannabis are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal road crash, say researchers. Even small amounts of the drug can double the chances of an accident, while larger doses more than triple the risk.
The research, published in the British Medical Journal, was carried out in France, where it is against the law to drive under the influence of cannabis. Like other issues, the authorities here in Jamaica have buried their heads in the sand.
Imagine for one moment one of our 500,000 regular ganja users driving a projectile at 70 to 100kmph on one of our brand new highways.
To compound the problem, the vehicle has not passed its annual test; it might be fitted with the wrong set of tyres or even worse, they have no thread pattern to grip the tarmac.
It is raining which makes the roadway slippery like an ice rink. You and your family are travelling in the opposite direction.
Can you contemplate the consequence if there is a collision? I recommend that it should be compulsory for every driver involved in a collision to be tested for drugs and alcohol.
I am, etc.,
STANFORD W. BEAN
s.w.bean@btinternet.com
Birmingham, England
Via Go-Jamaica
