D-U-High: Cannabis and Impaired Driving

After alcohol, marijuana is one of the most common intoxicants found in impaired drivers – and is the most common intoxicant amongst young drivers. Studies show that marijuana affects cognitive and motor skills while driving and has been a contributing factor in many motor vehicle crashes. Marijuana consumption has been linked to impaired tracking skills, reduced ability to focus on multiple tasks, and negatively affects reaction times (think sudden hazards on the road). Further, some studies have found that using marijuana nearly doubles the risk of being in a serious car crash.

In response to marijuana legalization, both federal and provincial governments are passing new legislation to toughen up impaired driving laws. Bill C-46 is proposed federal legislation that will create new offenses for specific levels of a drug in the bloodstream and set out the levels to determine when someone is impaired by marijuana. It would also approve the use of screening devices that test saliva for marijuana. Alberta has passed its own laws in preparation. As of April 2018, there is zero-tolerance for cannabis for drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, just like it is for alcohol. Impaired drivers will also receive a 90-day license suspension, immediate vehicle seizure, require remedial education and one-year in the provincial interlock program.

Despite tougher impaired driving laws, Albertans can expect an increase in motor vehicle collisions and injuries once recreational cannabis is legalized, according to a new report from the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta. After examining data from Colorado and Washington state (which both legalized marijuana in 2014), the report noted that impaired driving rates increased after legalization by about 9%. Sadly, the data also shows that traffic fatalities increased markedly after marijuana legalization. In Colorado, traffic fatalities increased from 49 in 2010 to 94 in 2015. Traffic fatalities in Washington state jumped from 40 to 85 in the same time frame. The report suggests that more people drive while impaired by marijuana after legalization and that Albertans can anticipate a similar increase in injuries after legalization.

If you’re hurt in a car accident as a result of someone’s impaired driving, be it by alcohol, cannabis, or any other substance, be sure to talk to an experienced lawyer who can get you the compensation you are entitled to. Contact the knowledgeable car accident lawyers at ROBINSON LLP for a free consultation.