Public perceptions of the risk and social acceptability of driving under the influence of cannabis

Pollard, Megan Ashley (2021) Public perceptions of the risk and social acceptability of driving under the influence of cannabis. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Aside from alcohol, cannabis is the most commonly used substance amongst Canadians, especially those aged 18-24. A prominent risk associated with cannabis use is driving under the influence. Cannabis impairs key motor abilities and executive functions necessary for driving and increases the likelihood of being involved in a fatal accident. Despite this, many people believe that driving under the influence of cannabis is safe, particularly compared to driving under the influence of alcohol. Utilizing an experimental vignette design, the primary purpose of the current study was to examine public opinions about the dangerousness and social acceptability of driving under the influence of cannabis compared to alcohol or driving while tired. An additional aim was to determine how attitudes differed based on the sex of the driver. Participants (N=453) between the ages of 18 and 65 completed an online survey in which they were randomly assigned to one of six vignettes describing a 22-year-old driving under the influence. Participants then answered six questions about the dangerousness and social acceptability of the behavior described. A series of ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of substance use across items. A significant main effect of sex was found on a measure of social acceptability. Post hoc tests revealed that driving under the influence of cannabis was considered less dangerous and more socially acceptable than driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, it was considered more socially acceptable for a female to drive while impaired than a male. Overall, these findings highlight the misconceptions that exist about the harms associated with cannabis use and have implications for the importance of awareness campaigns to educate about cannabis and driving.

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