Have you ever had to drive while under the influence? Some of us have tried it just out of curiousity, just like some scientists did in Australia a while back.

The experiment involved testing people driving through an obstacle course. They first did it sober and then again after smoking some Cannabis. The results showed that most people actually drove better while stoned, albeit a little slower.

Now, before we get any further, let me warn you not to try this yourself. Driving under the influence of anything is dangerous and illegal.
I always drive 100% sober, but last night, a total stranger called me and said the following:

I was once at a party which wasn't really getting anywhere, so I decided to smoke a joint, hoping it would lift my spirits a little. The Ganja was surprisingly strong, and I found myself blissfully stoned. A few minutes afterwards, the music stops, lights come on and the cops bust in and break up the party.

I had no choice but to head on back home. As I sat in the car, I realised that it was going to be a little difficult, considering that I was well baked. But it was late at night, there was no traffic and I didn't want to stick around and get hassled by the cops.

So I buckled up, turned the key and I was on my way. At first I battled to keep the car going in a straight line, my lights were off, and I completely misjudged the brake, applying too much pressure and coming to a schreeching halt - hoping that nobody noticed.
I carried on driving and after a few miles, I started getting the hang of it. By the time I got home, I was feeling fine and I realised that I haven't driven so well for a long time.

I have driven high on quite a few occasions since then, and have made a few observations:
Firstly, I tend to drive well below the speed limit. I lose that urge to get to my destination as soon as possible. I just sit back and enjoy the ride. I'm calm, cautious, courteous and smile at the other speeding drivers - desperately trying to shave a precious few seconds off their trip.
I also find that I get onto the rhythm of the traffic. It slightly resembles a flowing river, or a migrating herd. From this perspective, the traffic is more predictable and one gets a sense of what can happen next and take precautionary measures.
Another thing is that I feel a closer connection with my car and I adjust my driving style accordingly, either driving more economically or allowing for possible dangerous situations.

Of course, there are also very dangerous aspects...