Media Release
Impaired is impaired: the dangers of cannabis and driving
HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Police Service are reminding motorists that it is illegal and dangerous to drive while impaired, whether by alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medication or cannabis.
Even a small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect a driver’s balance, coordination, motor skills, attention, judgment, reaction time, and decision-making skills.
Quick facts:
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young people (16 to 25 year olds) in Canada. Alcohol and/or drug impairment is a factor in 55% of those crashes.
- Over one third of Canadian car accidents with fatally injured drivers involved alcohol.
- Driving under the influence of cannabis doubles the risk of collision.
- Combining cannabis with even small amounts of alcohol greatly increases levels of impairment and risk of vehicle accidents.
- Studies of road accidents suggest that drivers who test positive for opioids are up to eight times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash.
- The problem of drug impaired driving is increasing. More Canadians who are fatally injured in a vehicle crash test positive for drugs (40%) than for alcohol (33%)
Do not drive after consuming cannabis or other drugs. Instead, have a designated driver, call a friend, call a taxi, take public transit, or stay over.
Additional Resources:
Tags
City & Council
Emergency Services
Safety
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