Several states have enacted laws allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal as well as recreational purposes. As a result, the use of marijuana is a hot topic these days. The conversation is probably about to get even more heated regarding marijuana use and driving as a new report says fatal marijuana-related car accidents are on the rise.

As of now, it is illegal to use marijuana in Texas. Any good car accident attorney will tell you that using drugs and driving is not just a bad idea because you will go to jail. It’s also hazardous because you could seriously injure yourself or someone else. Should Texas ever legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, there will also need to be a serious conversation about how to keep drivers who are impaired off the roads.

Currently, there may not be as much talk about how marijuana can impair driving compared to alcohol use, but marijuana can still greatly affect your driving. According to a recent report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, fatal marijuana-related accidents tripled in the 10 years from 1999-2010.

Experts say that marijuana impairs judgment, slows your reaction time and decreases motor skill coordination. This means that a person who has used marijuana and decides to get behind the wheel does not have full control of his reflexes and is not thinking clearly. It’s a recipe for disaster on the roads, especially in inclement weather conditions.

If you have been in an accident with someone you suspect may be under the influence of drugs, you should immediately consult with a car accident attorney to help you navigate your next steps.