(Supplied by The Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Study: 1/4 of young drivers have driven high or been in the vehicle with a high driver

Dec 27, 2019 | 2:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The author of a study by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) says more education around impaired driving is needed.

CAA Chief Strategy Officer Jeff Walker is referring to when they recently polled over 1,517 Canadians aged 18-34 about driving while intoxicated.

26% admitted to either driving while under the influence of cannabis or being in a vehicle where the driver was high.

70% reportedly understood the importance of making alternate travel arrangements like a taxi or designated driver after consuming cannabis, while 86% said the same for alcohol consumption.

“The study’s findings regarding attitudes and perceptions tells us there is a need for more education,” says Walker. “If you plan to consume cannabis this holiday season, don’t drive. Make an alternate arrangement just like you would for drinking.”

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Walker adds that cannabis impairs drivers differently than alcohol does, but both lead to decreased reaction times that can result in collisions.

The CAA is just one of many groups that offer regular public education campaigns on road safety.

The study was conducted between November 27 and December 4.

A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

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