With cannabis consumption becoming ever popular amongst Canadians following legalization in 2018, cannabis impaired driving has become a growing concern.
The University of British Columbia conducted a study in 2024 to document the impairing substances present within drivers’ blood following collisions. The study revealed that cannabis has begun to surpass alcohol as the most frequently detected substance causing impairment in drivers post-accident.
Understanding the Effects of Cannabis on Driving
While studies are still investigating the effects cannabis has on driving abilities, driving under the influence of cannabis is no less dangerous than alcohol, as both substances can significantly impair a driver’s abilities to react behind the wheel.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol,) interacts with various parts of the brain, affecting functions such as coordination, balance, and time perception. Drivers under the influence of cannabis may experience altered sensory perceptions, reduced reaction times, and impaired judgment, posing a serious risk to themselves and others on the road.
Alcohol and Cannabis: A Dangerous Mix for Drivers
Studies from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System point to a troubling trend: more crashes involve cannabis use now than before. What’s even more alarming is that mixing cannabis with alcohol while driving has become common, highlighting the increased dangers of using multiple substances behind the wheel. It’s crucial for drivers to realize the serious risks of combining substances and driving. Even a small amount of cannabis or alcohol can greatly impair your ability to drive safely and increase the chances of accidents. Your safety on the road is top-priority, and being aware of these risks can help you make informed and responsible choices behind the wheel.
How Cannabis Affects Your Driving Ability
Research conducted in British Columbia reveals that frequent use of cannabis might make you more tolerant to some of its effects over time. However, the impact of cannabis on your ability to drive safely can differ depending on factors like how much you consume, how often you use it, and your body’s metabolism. Mixing cannabis with alcohol can make these effects even worse, affecting your thinking abilities, making you take more risks, and impairing your decision-making skills while you’re behind the wheel. It’s important to be aware of how these substances can impact your driving performance, ensuring you stay safe on the road.
Legal Ramifications and Insurance Impact
Driving under the influence of cannabis carries similar legal consequences as driving under the influence of alcohol, with DUI charges and criminal penalties being common outcomes. Convictions for impaired driving can have long-lasting repercussions on an individual’s insurance status, typically leading to increased premiums and high-risk labels on your record. Insurance companies consider drivers with DUI convictions as potential liabilities, leading to strict measures to ensure road safety for all.
As cannabis surpasses alcohol in post-crash blood tests as the most commonly detected impairing substance among drivers, it is critical to be aware of the risks associated with driving high. By understanding the effects of cannabis on driving performance and ensuring you do not consume alcohol or cannabis if you plan to drive, we can strive towards reducing impaired driving accidents on Canadian roads.
Be safe, consume responsibly, and remember to always make a plan for a safe ride home. It’s the law!
