Connecticut’s roads have been among the most hazardous in the nation, with aggressive driving and driving under the influence contributing to the state’s high rankings in national safety reports. Despite a slight decrease in roadway fatalities compared to last year, 80 lives have already been lost on Connecticut roads in 2026.

State Sen. Tony Hwang, a Republican leader on the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee, has voiced strong concerns over the state’s recent legislative decision to expand access to cannabis. Public Act No. 26-8, which builds on the 2021 legalization of recreational marijuana, increases THC potency limits and expands product types, potentially exacerbating the dangers on the roads.

Hwang emphasizes that cannabis impairs motor skills, slows reaction times, and diminishes judgment, all critical for safe driving. Unlike alcohol, which can be measured with breathalyzers, there is no universally accepted roadside test for cannabis impairment, leaving law enforcement officers to make challenging judgment calls.

Public Safety Concerns

Hwang has urged Governor Ned Lamont to veto the bill, highlighting the public safety gap created by the lack of reliable testing methods for cannabis impairment. He argues that the expansion prioritizes economic benefits over public safety, with goals of job growth and increased tax revenue overshadowing the potential risks.

In 2021, Hwang opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana, citing concerns about the long-term societal costs and the state’s ability to manage the consequences, particularly for young people and public safety. These concerns remain relevant as the state moves forward with the expansion.

Vision Zero and Road Safety

The Transportation Committee, led by Hwang, has been a proponent of Vision Zero, a comprehensive approach to traffic safety aiming to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Hwang questions whether the recent cannabis expansion aligns with these safety goals, asking if the roads are safer now than before cannabis legalization.

Connecticut families deserve safe roads and responsible policies that prioritize long-term public health and safety over short-term financial gains. Hwang calls for a reexamination of the expansion to ensure it does not put more lives at risk, emphasizing that roadway safety cannot be compromised.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.