When the legalization of recreational marijuana went into effect on January 1st, 2018, California’s lawmakers also decided to increase penalties for driving while high. Police officers have been receiving additional training to recognize people driving while stoned. Testing, however, is difficult, because THC, one of the chemicals in marijuana, can remain in a person’s system for up to a month, making it difficult to medically test when the person last ingested the drug. Still, people are driving while under the influence of marijuana, and getting into accidents already. The East Bay Times reports on a multi-vehicle crash allegedly caused by a woman driving under the influence of marijuana.
A 35-year-old woman residing in Martinez was arrested on suspicion of driving while high. The arrest came after she had been allegedly driving at speeds of 100mph at highway 242 just south of Highway 4. The woman’s car then overturned, causing a multi-vehicle wreck that sent three people to the hospital.
The California Highway Patrol initially received multiple calls from witnesses reporting a white Ford Explorer on Highway 680 traveling at speeds of 100mph. The woman’s vehicle flipped and crossed the median, ending up in oncoming traffic. Other vehicles collided with her vehicle.
The collision was reported at just before 11 a.m. and the roadway was closed for almost two hours as crews worked to investigate and clear the accident.
The woman’s name was not released, but authorities believe she was under the influence of marijuana and possibly other illicit substances.
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