Cannabis 'affects crash chances' 

Drivers getting behind the wheel after smoking cannabis are significantly more likely to cause an accident, according to research.

The Dalhousie University research found those consuming the drug within three hours of driving are almost twice as likely to cause a crash as those who have not taken drugs, or had an alcoholic drink.

The team studied existing research covering 49,411 people in what is the first collective review of studies investigating how the use of cannabis can affect road safety.

Researchers found that people taking cannabis see their ability to drive safely affected to a level that increases their risk of causing an accident.

Although you can yourself ensure you follow all laws when getting behind the wheel the decision-making of others is out of your hands. To that end the statistics show that comprehensive car insurance cover is an essential and legally required purchase for people heading out onto the roads.

The findings were published on bmj.com

Copyright Press Association 2012