Drugs and Driving: Understanding Impairment and Safety
In Canada, the number of drivers killed under the influence of drugs exceeds that of those influenced by alcohol.
Driving under the influence can easily lead to fatal accidents.
When driving, the driver is required to be attentive and concentrated.
Consuming even small amounts of any drug can dramatically affect:
- Reaction times
- Motor skills
- Judgment
- Balance and coordination
- Concentration
- Risk perception, causing the driver to take more risks
- Vision
- Ability to stay awake
- Causes hallucinations
The effects vary from person to person depending on several factors, including:
- The method of ingestion
- Quantity
- Concentration
- Weight and height of an individual
These effects account for both prescription and recreational drugs. Many prescription drugs can cause tiredness or nausea; drivers must be aware of this and take them when they know they will not be driving.
Consult with their doctor and read the label and warnings before taking medicines on the road.
There are several steps the driver can take to avoid driving while under the influence.
Plan ahead
If the driver intends to take drugs of any kind, make sure they plan to avoid driving while impaired.
The driver can;
- Arrange to sleep-over
- Public transport
- A designated driver who is not under the influence
- Ask their family to pick them up
According to the CAA poll,
26%
of collisions involving a drinking driver were single-vehicle collisions.
70%
of Canadians aged 18-34 said they had driven while high on cannabis or had travelled in a vehicle whose driver was high on cannabis
In 2014,
of Canadians aged 18-34 falsely believe that their driving is the same or even better after consuming cannabis.
50%
of collisions involving a drinking driver were single-vehicle collisions.
Source: https://tests.ca/driving-statistics/
As per CAA Polling below, what are your thoughts regarding the impact of cannabis users on road safety?
"One in five younger Canadians say they have driven high or have travelled in a vehicle with a high driver." – CAA Polling, 2020
https://www.caa.ca/driving-safely/cannabis-impaired-driving/cannabis-road-safety-laws/
Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, can impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Here are some examples of drugs and their potential side effects:
Opioids (e.g. oxycodone, morphine): These prescription painkillers can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slower reaction times. They can also cause blurred vision and dizziness.
Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, lorazepam): These prescription drugs are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction times.
Marijuana: This drug can impair coordination, judgment, and perception. It can also cause drowsiness, altered time perception, and impaired memory and concentration.
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, cetirizine): These over-the-counter medications commonly treat allergies. However, they can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slower reaction times.
Stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine): These drugs can cause overconfidence, aggression, and impaired judgment. They can also cause increased heart rate and blood pressure and decreased coordination and reaction times.
It is important to note that even legal drugs prescribed by a doctor can have side effects that impair driving. Drivers should always read the labels of any medications and talk to their doctor or pharmacist about any potential side effects. If a medication causes drowsiness or other impairments, the driver should avoid driving or find alternative transportation.
Discussion Forum Activity - Use of Cannabis:
Driving under the influence of cannabis or any other impairing substance is illegal in most countries. Did you know that an authorized user of cannabis for medical purposes may still face penalties and criminal charges if impaired while driving? Medical authorization for cannabis use does not excuse or justify such behaviour. Authorized users of cannabis for medical purposes must be aware of the effects of cannabis on their bodies. Please share your thoughts.