Dear Editor,
I am writing out of growing concern about what I can only describe as the spliff and drive pandemic that is quietly taking over our roads, A culture that now seems disturbingly normal in Antigua and Barbuda.
Just recently, while driving along the Queen Elizabeth Highway, I witnessed a young man operating his vehicle with one hand on the steering wheel and a lit joint in the other. Smoke filled the inside of the vehicle so thickly it looked like fog. This was not an isolated incident. I have seen the same behaviour on Perry Bay Main Road and in many, many other places across the island.
Let me be clear: this is not about attacking marijuana use or demonising young people. It is about public safety. Whatever one’s views on cannabis, driving while impaired is dangerous, full stop.
It forces me to ask the same questions many responsible citizens are now asking: Is it as a result of the decriminalization of a couple ounces of marijuana that these boys think that all they can do is smoke? I mean, it’s already bad, walking around seeing them sitting on the roadside smoking. Now they are bringing the nonsense into traffic.
Reaction time slows, judgment is affected, and innocent road users are placed at serious risk. What started as a roadside habit has now moved directly into moving vehicles, and that should alarm every parent, pedestrian, and motorist.
So again I ask: Is there something that can be done? Or should the government reverse its decision to decriminalize some small amount of marijuana in Antigua and Barbuda?
Our roads are already dangerous enough with speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving claiming lives every year. Adding drug-impaired driving to that list is a tragedy waiting to happen.
This “spliff and drive” behaviour should not be laughed off or ignored. It requires urgent attention from law enforcement, policymakers, and public educators alike before we are forced to respond after a life is lost.
Concerned citizens are watching. And many of us are worried.
This is so true. I too have noticed this.
I must add 2 cents here. The government needs to consider also making it illegal for any adult to be smoking in the car with a minor. The number of these children going to school high from second hand smoke is ridiculous.
Also make illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to smoke, weed and Tobacco.
Decriminalization should come with business opportunities. Government could legalise marijuana grow operations that can sell legally to licensed businesses. These businesses could be cafes or just sell marijuana products. This opens up revenue streams for government and locals. Also, allows for designated smoking areas and money to enforce laws that prevent driving under the influence.
I agree with this thing starting years ago but the rest is just pure ignorance
Government need to clear this up properly. Decriminalize don’t mean free-for-all
and some of them so upetting doing that nonesence
Louder for them
Ouchhhh Savageeeee lol
Truer words have never been spoken
Young people feel untouchable. They laugh it off until they mash up somebody life
Decriminalize don’t mean legal to smoke anywhere and everywhere. People just doing what they want now
I see this almost every morning on the way to work. One hand on the wheel, one hand on the spliff, music loud like they alone on the road
Police see it too. Don’t tell me they don’t. But nobody stopping nobody