Marijuana use and operating a vehicle never mix
Only days ago, The Cannabis Act officially became law, legalizing the recreational use of cannabis in Canada. However, it can’t be stressed enough that this landmark decision in no way relaxes the laws that make getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired an offence.
In advance of the Act coming into force, the Government of Canada posted information underlining how drugs can impair one’s ability to drive safely and increase the risk of getting into a collision. The percentage of Canadian drivers killed in vehicle crashes who tested positive for drugs (40 per cent) now actually exceeds the numbers who test positive for alcohol (33 per cent) — and impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada.
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 high on cannabis.
A poll conducted by the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) earlier this year found that the vast majority of respondents — more than 90 per cent, between the age of 18 and 34 — 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 accepted behaviour.
However, the poll also revealed some troubling findings, indicating that 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.
Because millennials grew up surrounded by anti-impairment messages, it is hoped they will show leadership about responsible driving and ensure friends and family get home safely.
To understand why driving and cannabis don’t mix, consider that medical studies suggest it can slow 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.
Legalities and debate about testing aside, all drivers need to get the message that any level of impairment is not OK.
To all teenagers, young adults, parents and grandparents — let’s please work together to keep B.C.’s roads safe.