States with legalized marijuana increase in traffic crashes
(KYMA, KECY/CNN) - States with legalized marijuana have seen an up-tick in traffic crashes and fatalities.
That's according to a new study from the insurance institute for highway safety.
They looked at 5 states that allow recreational marijuana use and saw an increase in traffic crashes and fatalities in the wake of legalization.
There was a 5.8% increase in the rate of traffic crash injuries.
And a 4.1% increase in fatal crash rates after marijuana sales began.
That's compared to no increase over the same time in a control group of 6 states where the drug remains illegal.