Safety groups are warning Canadians of the risks of driving under the influence of drugs during their annual campaign.
The Canada Safety Council (CSC) is using its National Safe Driving Week to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while impaired by illegal drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter products.
“A lot of people seem to believe impaired driving is an alcohol thing, nowadays we find drugged driving is just as common, just as frequent as impaired driving by alcohol,” said Raynald Marchand, general manager of the CSC.
A CSC news release said 35.3 per cent of drivers killed in 2009 were impaired by drugs, compared to 40.9 per cent impaired by alcohol.
They also said the amount of young drivers age 16 to 24 who die in crashes while impaired by drugs is nearly identical to the amount who were impaired by alcohol, 26.9 per cent compared to 27.6 per cent.
More drivers above the age of 55 are killed while impaired by drugs than alcohol, the CSC said.
CBC News – Dec 01, 2013.
Want More Investigative Content?
