Drug impaired driving is as common as alcohol impaired driving.

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) released their Alcohol and Drug Use Among Drivers: British Columbia Roadside Survey. The survey showed:

• An increase in the number of drivers under the influence of illegal drugs
• Drug use seems to be consistently high throughout the week, whereas incidence of alcohol-impaired driving is stronger on weekend nights
• Drivers testing positive for drugs were represented by most age groups
• Drivers 16-18 years old did not show any evidence of alcohol use but a small proportion did test positive for drug use
• Drivers 45-54 years old tested positive most often for drugs

Many drivers have no idea that they could become impaired after using marijuana, cocaine or other illegal drugs. Effects of drugs on driving can include:

• Drowsiness
• A change in reaction time
• Loss of coordination
• Vision problems
• Aggressiveness
• Loss of vehicle control
• Inability to concentrate

The combination of alcohol and drugs significantly increases the risk of being involved in a fatal crash.

There are currently over 1,700 police officers in BC trained to recognize drug impairment in drivers. A police officer who suspects a driver of being impaired by any drug, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, may require the driver to:

• Submit to physical tests of impairment
• Be assessed by a Drug Recognition Expert
• Provide bodily fluid tests (blood, saliva or urine)

Drivers who are impaired by drugs are subject to penalties. For more information visit the BC Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles – Driving While Impaired