Driving and cannabis is a bad mix

Consuming any product that may impair your reactions, motor skills is irresponsible

Most of us are accustomed to seeing television ads and public service announcements about the dangers of drinking and driving. It’s a message that has made its way into our subconscious. In the same manner, all drivers need to get the same message about driving when high on cannabis.

A recent poll conducted by the British Columbia Automobile Association found that the vast majority of respondents between the age of 18 and 34 — more than 90 per cent — make plans for a safe ride home before enjoying a night out, and more than half regularly volunteer to be designated drivers. BCAA attributed this to the fact that millennials are the first generation to have grown up in an environment where impaired driving was never a normal or acceptable behaviour.

However, the poll also revealed some troubling findings.

Nearly one in 10 said they had driven behind the wheel under the influence of cannabis, and some 20 per cent of millennials think their driving is “the same or even better” when high. Yes, they said even better!

While access to specific data is limited, the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction suggests in 2012 alone there were an estimated 75 fatalities and 4,407 injuries caused by cannabis-impaired drivers.

Fortunately, many organizations have launched awareness campaigns to encourage people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while stoned.

Cannabis is expected to be legalized in Canada this fall, so this is an issue of significant importance.

And because millennials grew up surrounded by anti-impaired messages, it is hoped that they will continue to show leadership about responsible driving and take the lead to ensure friends and family get home safely after abiding in products that may impair their ability to drive.

To understand why driving and cannabis don’t mix, consider that medical studies suggest it can slow down reaction time, interfere with motor skills, and ability to pay attention and multitask. In other words, it impairs your ability to properly function as a driver.

Every motorist has experienced a range of situations in which their ability to act quickly and decisively was the difference between a safe outcome and an accident.

Consuming any product that may impair your ability to respond to a child jumping in front of you or a vehicle swerving unexpectedly is simply irresponsible.

The provincial government recently announced a 90-day administrative driving penalty for drivers found with marijuana in their system, as well as stiff penalties and zero tolerance for new drivers.

How police will test drivers for impairment remains unclear, but it is anticipated that technology will be developed and unveiled to accurately test the concentration of marijuana in a driver’s blood.

Legalities and debate about testing aside, the real key is going to be education and ensuring all drivers get the message that any level of impairment is simply not OK.

So, kids, let’s remind parents that it’s not cool to drive high.

Blair Qualey is president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. You can email him at bqualey@newcardealers.ca.