NJ Bill Aims To Crack Down On Driving While High

MORRIS, NJ — As the push to legalize marijuana gains steam in New Jersey, one Morris County lawmaker wants to make it easier to catch drivers suspected of driving while high.

Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris) introduced a bill in the Assembly that would require police officers to take blood samples from anyone arrested for drug-impaired driving. Under the bill, anyone who refuses would be penalized.

Currently, drivers accused of drunk driving are required to undergo a breathalyzer test and are penalized if they refuse.

“This bill will be a useful tool for law enforcement in their efforts to prosecute and convict people who refuse to be tested and who are likely driving while impaired,” Bucco said in a statement. “Driving under the influence of marijuana should be treated no differently than driving under the influence of alcohol.”

Governor-elect Phil Murphy made marijuana legalization a central part of his platform. State Senate President Stephen Sweeney has said he'd like to pass a legalization measure within the first 100 days of Murphy's term.

• Read More: NJ Pot Legalization Expected Soon: What You Need To Know

A study by The Highway Loss Data Institute released in July said that traffic accidents in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon increased 2.7 percent since marijuana was legalized in those states.

"It would appear, probably not to anyone's surprise, that the use of marijuana contributes to crashes," said Kenton Brine, president of the industry group Northwest Insurance Council that represents companies in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. He added: "It would be difficult to say that marijuana is a definitive factor, lacking a citation, in a significant number of crashes to say that what we're seeing here is a trend."

• Read More: Legal Marijuana Linked With Rise In Car Crash Claims

Another HLDI study said insurance rates could go up in New Jersey if marijuana is legalized, citing a similar effect in Midwestern states who approved legalization measures.

Collision claims are roughly 3 percent higher in those states, leading to higher insurance rates.

• Read More: NJ Pot Legalization Could Jack Up Car Insurance Rates

Photo by David McNew/Getty Images