A new analysis reviewed by Bader Law shows that the United States is undergoing a major shift in substance use, with alcohol consumption falling to historic lows while marijuana use continues to rise. These changes are reshaping patterns of impaired driving and influencing fatal crash trends nationwide. For Georgia, where impaired driving remains a persistent public safety concern, the findings offer important insight into how evolving drug and alcohol habits may affect roadway risk in the years ahead.

Gallup’s 2025 polling shows that only 54 percent of U.S. adults now consume alcohol, the lowest level recorded in nearly 90 years. In 2023, the figure was 62 percent. The decline is especially pronounced among women, whose drinking rates have fallen 11 percent since 2023, and among non‑Hispanic White adults, who also saw an 11 percent drop. Republicans reported the sharpest decline of all demographic groups, falling 19 points to 46 percent.

Meanwhile, marijuana use is rising. In 2022, 62 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using cannabis within the previous year. A 2025 national survey found that 61 percent of adults say they are losing interest in alcohol, with Generation Z showing the steepest decline. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents said they prefer THC beverages or other cannabis products over traditional drinking.

These shifts are already influencing impaired‑driving patterns.

Alcohol Use Is Down, and Impaired‑Driving Fatalities Are Falling With It

According to NHTSA crash data, fatalities involving an impaired driver fell from 1,366 in 2022 to 1,113 in 2023, a significant nationwide decline. During this period:

• 33 states saw a decrease in impaired‑driving deaths
• 13 states saw an increase
• 5 states saw no change

Early projections for 2024 show 39,345 fatal crashes, a 4 percent decrease from 2023 and the lowest fatality count since 2019. Vehicle miles traveled increased by 1 percent, yet the fatality rate still dropped to 1.2 deaths per 100 million miles, the lowest since before the pandemic.

For Georgia, where impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes, these national declines provide cautious optimism. Georgia historically mirrors national trends, and a sustained drop in alcohol‑related impairment could translate into fewer roadway deaths across the state.

Marijuana Use Is Rising, and Cannabis Tourism Is Booming

As alcohol use declines, marijuana consumption is accelerating. The cannabis tourism market alone was valued at $10.23 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $23.73 billion by 2030, growing at 12.38 percent annually. As of early 2026, 25 states and Washington D.C. allow recreational cannabis use.

Survey data shows:

• 48 percent of Americans believe THC products should be as socially normalized as alcohol
• 33 percent prefer THC beverages over smoking
• 34 percent identify as “California sober,” meaning they avoid alcohol but use marijuana

This shift is especially relevant for Georgia, where marijuana remains illegal for recreational use. As neighboring states expand legalization, Georgia may see increased cross‑border cannabis tourism, raising questions about enforcement and roadway safety.

Driving High: What Americans Believe and How They Behave

NHTSA data shows that 12.6 percent of weekend nighttime drivers test positive for marijuana. Yet public understanding of cannabis impairment remains inconsistent.

Survey findings include:

• 51 percent of drivers decide whether to drive based on how they “feel” after using cannabis
• 47 percent say they feel impaired after using
• 74 percent chose an alternative to driving high at least once in the past year
• Only 35 percent know their state’s cannabis‑and‑driving laws

Usage frequency among drivers in legal states:

• Daily: 37 percent
• Weekly: 29 percent
• Monthly: 13 percent
• Rarely or occasionally: 21 percent combined

Drivers also reported specific impairment effects:

• Slowed reaction time: 20 percent
• Difficulty concentrating: 13 percent
• Difficulty making decisions: 12 percent
• Difficulty maintaining speed: 11 percent
• Difficulty staying in lane: 8 percent

Despite these indicators, 69 percent of drivers believe they can reliably judge their own impairment.

How Long Do Drivers Wait Before Driving After Using Cannabis?

Survey responses show:

• 35.5 percent wait 1 to 4 hours
• 33.1 percent wait 5 hours or more
• 6 percent admit they use cannabis while driving

State guidelines vary widely. Washington recommends waiting at least five hours after inhaled cannabis, while Colorado recommends six to eight hours depending on dosage and method of consumption.

What This Means for Georgia

Georgia continues to battle high rates of impaired driving, particularly alcohol‑related crashes. The findings reviewed by Bader Law suggest that:

• Declining alcohol use may help reduce fatal crashes
• Rising marijuana use could introduce new impairment risks
• Public confusion about cannabis impairment may complicate enforcement
• Cross‑border cannabis tourism may increase impairment risks on Georgia highways
• Education and enforcement strategies will need to evolve as substance‑use patterns shift

As alcohol consumption falls and marijuana use rises, Georgia’s impaired‑driving landscape is changing. Understanding these trends will be essential for reducing roadway deaths and improving public safety statewide.