The holiday season brings with it familiar and necessary messages reminding Canadians to drive sober. While impairment behind the wheel is most often associated with alcohol, motorists are also gambling with their safety and the safety of others by driving under the influence of drugs. These drugs include illegal substances, prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies.
“Unfortunately, people are more afraid of being caught than being killed,” said Jack Smith, President of the Canada Safety Council. “They don’t think it’s going to happen to them until it happens.”
This National Safe Driving Week, from December 1 to 7, the Canada Safety Council seeks to educate Canadians that driving while under the influence of drugs is dangerous, irresponsible, illegal and becoming increasingly prevalent. It is posing a significant public safety risk that needs to be curbed through preventative measures, awareness and the enforcement of appropriate penalties.
Drugged driving facts
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse reports that more than a third – 35.3 per cent – of fatally injured drivers in Canada tested positive for impairing drugs in 2009. This compares with 40.9 per cent of driver fatalities in the same year where alcohol was the source of impairment. Simply put, drugged driving is just as deadly and prevalent as drunk driving. It is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Gaudreau
Communications/Media Program Coordinator, Canada Safety Council
(613) 739-1535 (ext. 228)
Canada Safety Council – December 1, 2013.