A survey of 2,084 adults found that intentions to drive under the influence of cannabis were shaped by willingness, attitudes, social norms, and perceived control, with intention being a stronger predictor than willingness alone.
Traffic safety researchers, public health campaign designers, cannabis policy professionals
Intention was a stronger predictor of driving high than willingness alone
What the researchers found
Using structural equation modeling, researchers identified that DUIC behavior was predicted by intention (which had a stronger effect than willingness alone), and both were shaped by control beliefs, attitudes, social norms, and perceptions of people who do or don't drive high.
Why it matters
Understanding the psychological drivers behind driving-while-high decisions can help design targeted prevention campaigns that address the specific beliefs, norms, and attitudes that make people willing to drive after using cannabis.
The numbers in context
2,084 adults surveyed; intention had stronger influence on DUIC than willingness alone; DUIC predicted by willingness influencing intention; both shaped by control beliefs, attitudes, norms, and prototype images.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 2,084 U.S. adults analyzed using structural equation modeling to reveal the belief structure underlying DUIC behavior.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference; self-reported DUIC behavior may be underreported; beliefs measured at one time point may not reflect behavior change over time.
How to read the evidence
Large survey with sophisticated statistical modeling, limited by cross-sectional design and self-report.
When this study was published
Data collected from U.S. adults in Washington State.
The bigger picture
As cannabis legalization expands, the belief systems that normalize driving while high represent a modifiable target for public health intervention, similar to how attitudes toward drunk driving were shifted through decades of messaging campaigns.
Questions still open
- Would campaigns targeting specific belief components (attitudes vs. norms vs. control beliefs) differ in effectiveness? Do these belief patterns differ between recreational and medical cannabis users?
Common questions
Why do people drive after using cannabis?
Can changing beliefs reduce drugged driving?
Read the original research
Modeling the system of beliefs that influence driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) in Washington State.
Accident; analysis and prevention, 151, 105988
Citation
Scott, Brandon; Ward, Nicholas; Otto, Jay; Finley, Kari. (2021). Modeling the system of beliefs that influence driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) in Washington State.. Accident; analysis and prevention, 151, 105988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2021.105988