Cogntiion and Driving Flashcards
Why is driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) considered a significant public health concern?
DUIC is a public health concern due to its proven effects on cognitive impairments and increased risk of vehicular accidents.
What are the THC blood concentration limits for DUIC in Canada?
It’s a less serious offense to have between 2 and 5 ng/ml of THC, and a more serious offense to have 5 ng/ml or more.
How does cannabis consumption affect driving skills?
Cannabis consumption impairs several driving skills, including reaction time, decision making, and motor coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
What does epidemiological data say about cannabis use and driving?
About 23% of Canadians who used cannabis in the past year reported driving within 2 hours of consumption, with roadside testing showing about 1% of drivers testing positive for THC
What is the risk increase of collision if driving with THC present versus THC absent?
Studies show a 1.92 greater odds of being in a collision if THC is present in the system, though re-analysis of the same data suggests a lower increase at 1.36 times the odds.
How has legalization affected rates of driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC)?
Legalization has led to an increase in DUIC rates, but it remains unclear if it has led to a corresponding increase in collision risks
What are the challenges in detecting cannabis impairment in drivers?
Challenges include variability in THC detection methods, the long detection window in chronic users, and poor correlation between blood THC levels and actual impairment.
Which cognitive domains are most affected by acute cannabis intoxication?
Acute cannabis intoxication most robustly affects learning and memory, specifically verbal working and episodic memory.
What are the findings of meta-analyses on cannabis’s effects on attention?
Meta-analyses indicate that divided attention is significantly impaired by THC, with lesser effects on sustained attention
What consistent findings have driving simulator studies shown regarding cannabis use?
Driving simulator studies consistently show that cannabis use decreases speed, lane control, and the ability to divide attention.
What does on-road driving research say about cannabis’s effects on driving?
On-road studies show impaired standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), indicating increased lane weaving, similar to findings in simulator studies.
What are the long-term effects of cannabis on cognition?
Chronic cannabis use can lead to persistent cognitive deficits, particularly affecting complex attention and executive functions.
How does cannabis affect motor functions?
Cannabis impairs motor tracking ability, manual dexterity, and overall motor coordination, which are crucial for safe driving.
Are legal THC limits effective in determining driving impairment?
Legal THC limits are often ineffective as indicators of impairment due to poor correlation with actual cognitive and motor impairments.
What educational efforts are needed regarding DUIC?
Enhanced public health education is needed to address misconceptions about cannabis’s safety regarding driving and to inform about the real risks of DUIC.
