Police, CAA say more people are driving impaired by edibles
A survey conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association finds that since 2019, there has been a 10 per cent increase in cannabis-impaired drivers.
The survey determined more people are admitting to consuming an edible before driving. With about 10 million drivers in Ontario, that number equals about 156,000 residents who have driven high on edibles in the last three months.
"It's shocking that we're seeing this many people who are getting behind the wheel while high," said Michael Stewart, community relations consultant at the CAA.
"Our data shows an alarming trend in the use of edibles and driving. With the growing popularity of cookies, gummies, and chocolates since legalization, the use of edibles continues to rise and so do people who drive high on edibles."
Stewart warns that edibles pose a greater risk to road safety because they are harder to detect and can take up to two hours for the effects to kick in.
So people may get behind the wheel sober, only to become high mid-trip. Also, the effects can last up to 12 hours and residual effects for up to 24 hours.
The survey also found that in the past three months, about 600,000 Ontario people admitted to driving after consuming cannabis.
North Bay Police Const. Kyle Hughes is reminding drivers RIDE stops are taking place again this year.
“We want to keep the roads as safe as possible so we can make sure everyone had a happy holiday season,” Hughes said.
“The drug impairment is through the roof, which is very, very concerning especially on the road
Almost half of the cannabis-impaired driving was paired with other substances such as alcohol or other drugs. More than half of the cannabis-impaired drivers admitted to getting behind the wheel within three hours of consumption.
A third of cannabis-impaired drivers who drive the same day said they felt high while driving.
While most Ontario drivers say that cannabis-impaired driving is a serious risk to road, only half are aware of the penalties.
"Because of the novelty of edibles, there seems to be a knowledge gap surrounding the impaired-driving laws related to substances other than alcohol,” said Stewart.
“However, studies show that the drug affects nearly every skill related to driving. It impairs a driver's motor skills, making it harder to judge distances, and can slow reaction times.”
Drivers who fail a drug recognition expert's evaluation face an immediate 90-day licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.
If convicted in court, drivers will see their licence suspended for at least a year, along with other penalties.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.