Self-Regulation of Driving Behavior Under the Influence of Cannabis: The Role of Driving Complexity and Driver Vision.
Sonia Ortiz-Peregrina, Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios, Carolina Ortiz, Rosario G Anera
Human factors November 2023 DOI: 10.1177/00187208211047799 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Young, occasional cannabis users |
| Intervention | Cannabis |
| Measures | visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Contrast sensitivity Driver self-regulation Vision |
| Key findings | Cannabis use significantly impaired visual function, and recreational cannabis use did not produce self-regulation, although curved roads did. Contrast sensitivity impairment after cannabis was associated with changes in longitudinal and lateral control, suggesting it may serve as an indicator of drivers' visual status for self-regulation. |
Abstract
This study analyzed the self-regulation behaviors of drivers under the influence of cannabis and its relationship with road complexity and some driver traits, including visual deterioration. Cannabis is the illicit drug most often detected in drivers; its use results in significant negative effects in terms of visual function. Self-regulation behaviors involve the mechanisms used by drivers to maintain or reduce the risk resulting from different circumstances or the driving environment. Thirty-one young, occasional cannabis users were assessed both in a baseline session and after smoking cannabis. We evaluated the visual function (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) and driver self-regulation variables of both longitudinal and lateral control as the speed adaptation and standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP). Visual function was significantly impaired after cannabis use. Recreational cannabis use did not result in self-regulation, although some road features such as curved roads did determine self-regulation. Male participants adopted mean faster driving speeds with respect to the speed limit. Driver age also determined better lateral control with lower SDLPs. In addition, visual impairment resulting from cannabis use (contrast sensitivity) was linked with self-regulation by changes in longitudinal and lateral control. Contrast sensitivity could be a good indicator of individual visual status to help determine how drivers self-regulate their driving both in normal conditions and while under the influence of cannabis. The findings provide new insights about driver self-regulation under cannabis effects and are useful for policy making and awareness campaigns.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis People with first episode of psychosis and healthy controls from the local population | 2009 | Case-control study | n = 454 |
| Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction: Results from a Preliminary Observational Study in Canada Rural aboriginal population | 2013 | Observational study | |
| Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Otherwise healthy young people | 2000 | Observational | |
| Continued cannabis use and risk of incidence and persistence of psychotic symptoms: 10 year follow-up cohort study Individuals from the general population in Germany aged 14-24 at baseline | 2011 | Observational cohort | n = 1,923 |
| Cannabis-induced psychosis and subsequent schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: follow-up study of 535 incident cases Patients treated for cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms in Denmark between 1994 and... | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 535 |
Citations in the library
Cites 2
- Cannabis smoking impairs driving performance on the simulator and real driving: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology May 12, 2018
- Cannabis effects on driving longitudinal control with and without alcohol. Journal of Applied Toxicology November 2016