Marijuana, drink and driving: a lethal combination

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Published on Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Submitted

Media release

With the federal legalization of recreational marijuana expected in approximately one year, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is spearheading a campaign to educate drivers about the risks of driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol or both. 

“Manitobans need to be aware of the dangers of driving high – and the compounded risk of mixing cannabis and alcohol,” says Ward Keith, MPI’s vice-president and CAO. “Each of these alone can impair your ability to drive, but mixing them makes the danger exponentially worse – the combination can impair your judgment, even in small doses.”

To drive home this message, MPI is teaming up with MADD Canada to promote a public service campaign that discusses this deadly mix. A new advertising campaign asks Manitobans: “Think you can drive high? Think again!”

Keith notes you should prepare ahead of time if you’re planning to drink or use marijuana.

“If you are consuming marijuana or alcohol — or both — you can’t safely drive. Make a plan to get home safely with a taxi, transit or a designated driver who hasn’t used drugs or alcohol.” 

Studies show many Canadians do not realize the extent of the risk. Some users mistakenly believe pot does not affect their ability to drive, or can even help them focus. In fact, marijuana has been shown to negatively affect cognitive and motor skills, and slow reaction time. 

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction reports that in Canada in 2010, almost as many drivers died in crashes after using drugs (34 per cent) as had been drinking (39 per cent). Among those killed, more than 16 per cent tested positive for marijuana, 11 per cent for sedatives, 8.5 per cent for stimulants and 5.5 per cent for opioids. Data also shows that in 2013, 95 per cent of fatally-injured drivers in Manitoba were tested for the presence of drugs in their system; of those, nearly 40 per cent tested positive for the presence of drugs.

One in 10 Manitoba drivers who participated in voluntary roadside surveys last fall tested positive for drugs. The highest use was found among those aged 35-44, where 14 per cent of drivers tested positive for drugs.

“While the message about drinking and driving does seem to be hitting home, drivers still need to be aware of the effects of drugs on driving. Whether it’s marijuana or prescription pills, it can greatly reduce your ability to drive safely. Mixed with alcohol, the effect can be deadly behind the wheel.”