CAA National

clk Cannabis-Impaired Driving

Driving High is Driving Impaired

Marijuana slows your reaction time and affects your concentration.

According to Public Safety Canada, drug-impaired driving violations have been on the rise in Canada since data became available in 2009. If you are planning on consuming marijuana, plan a safe way home – taxi, public transit, ridesharing, or have a designated driver.

Join the conversation #DontDriveHigh

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

Source: Government of Canada

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.

Source: SAAQ

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)