California’s legalization of marijuana (cannabis) has demonstrably impacted the rates of accidents and fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence of the drug. As we move deeper into the post-legalization era, the data continues to evolve, painting a clearer picture of these consequences. Victims of car accidents involving a driver who is high or under the influence of cannabis while driving need competent professional representation as they navigate the complexities involved in a DUI case.
Car Accident Statistics Continue to Rise After The Legalization Of Marijuana In California
California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) maintains an updated page – including statistics – entitled Drug Impaired Driving: DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze. This is an excellent page to review, especially if you have teen or young adult drivers under your care.
Just because marijuana has been legalized does not mean it is safe to use marijuana and drive. Nor does it mean that those under the influence are immune from DUI laws. Those who are under the influence of any amount of marijuana should not operate a motor vehicle and should use a designated driver.
If a driver who has used marijuana is involved in an accident, even if they are not considered “at fault,” proof that they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs can still result in the imposition of harsh penalties. Here are some of the most recent statistics about marijuana-related car accidents and other data on drug-impaired driving and DUIs.
Updated 2024-2025 Statistics:
- 50.3% of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in California (who were tested) tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs as of 2021 data – a significant increase from the previously reported 42%.
- Drug-involved crash fatalities now account for approximately 25% of all crash deaths in California, representing 751 fatalities related to drug-involved driving in 2021.
- People who drive immediately after using marijuana may increase their risk of getting into a crash by 20 to 35 percent. These rates increase if marijuana is ingested in edible form rather than smoked.
- Survey data from 2024 reveals that about 14% of California drivers test positive for drugs – nearly double the number of alcohol-impaired drivers on weekends. This represents a concerning trend in drug-impaired driving.
- Recent comprehensive studies show that after the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults 21 years and older, there was a 6% increase in injury crash rates and a 4% increase in fatal crash rates following legalization – slightly higher than earlier estimates.
- Legalization of the recreational use of marijuana and the subsequent onset of retail sales across multiple U.S. states continues to show consistent patterns, with California’s experience aligning with national trends of increased crash rates post-legalization.
- There is no difference between driving under the influence of medically-prescribed marijuana and recreational marijuana. As with other prescription drugs containing warnings about not operating motor vehicles, nobody should drive while under the influence of cannabis.
