How does weed impair your ability to drive?
Nearly 1 in 4 young adults in Canada believe a high driver is either the same or better behind the wheel.
In fact, weed does impair your ability to drive. It can affect your…

Coordination

Reaction time

Ability to pay attention

Decision-making abilities

Ability to judge distances
Myths about marijuana and driving

Cannabis doesn’t affect my ability to drive
False. Driving under the influence of marijuana affects your ability to drive safely and you’re at a greater risk of getting into an accident.

Police can’t check if I’ve consumed weed
False. Police officers across Canada can administer roadside tests to check for impairment. These can include testing devices or calling in specially trained drug recognition officers.

I’m not going far so it’s okay
False. 45% of accidents happen near the home. Driving in a familiar setting makes drivers less attentive, and marijuana has been shown to reduce a driver’s concentration.
What Canadians Think
69%
More than two thirds (69%) of Canadians are concerned roads will become more dangerous with the legalization of marijuana
22%
Almost 1 in 5 (22%) Canadians say they have been a passenger in a vehicle where the driver had consumed marijuana.
20%
Adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to believe cannabis doesn’t affect their driving, with 20% saying that a driver under the influence of marijuana is the same, or better behind the wheel.
Source: CAA National polling (2017)