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When you hear the term 'impaired driver' the 1st thing that probably pops into your head is a drunk driver.
While it's correct to associate a drunk driver with an impaired driver, it's important that we don't forget about 1 of the other types of impaired driver - the drug-impaired driver.
We're all familiar with the breathalyzer and what it's used for. What many of us are less familiar with though is what police can do if they suspect a driver is impaired with drugs.
Historically, it's been difficult for law enforcement to gather the necessary evidence to lay a drug-impaired driving charge. But that all changed in 2008 when the federal government passed Bill C-2, the Tackling Violent Crime Act.
The legislation, among other things, gives police better tools to detect and investigate drug-impaired driving. The police now have the authority to compel drivers to:
- Submit to tests of impairment.
- Submit to an evaluation by an officer who is specially trained in drug recognition.
- Provide a sample of blood, urine and/or oral fluid to see if they contain any drug.
In 2008, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) conducted a roadside survey to measure the use of alcohol and drugs among nighttime drivers in B.C.
Some of the survey's key findings were that:
- Drug use is as common as alcohol use among drivers.
- Of the almost 1,200 drivers who agreed to be tested, 10% tested positive for drugs.
- Marijuana was the most common at just over 40%, followed by cocaine at 29% and opiates at 15%.
- Male drivers were more likely to test positive for drugs.
- Most drivers testing positive for drugs (83%) had not consumed any alcohol.
- Driving after drinking is most common late in the evening on weekends, but drivers who had used drugs were as likely to be found at any time of the night, whether on the weekend or not.
The authors of the survey noted that young drivers appear to be heeding the warnings of the risks of drinking and driving, but not necessarily the risks associated with drugs and driving.
Drug-impaired driving is a serious issue. Drivers shouldn't make the mistake of believing that drugs do not impair a person's ability to drive. Be a safe and responsible driver and don't drive impaired - either by alcohol or drugs.
For more information on the 2008 B.C. Roadside Survey, visit the CCSA website.
