25% of young Canadians admit to driving while high: survey
According to a new survey from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), one-quarter of young Canadians — ages 18 to 34 — say they have driven high or have travelled in a vehicle with a high driver.
The survey also said that while about 86% of young people understood the importance of arranging alternative transportation after drinking alcohol, the same was not said about after consuming cannabis, with only 70% saying this is important.
Approximately one-quarter (26%) of younger Canadians said they have driven after consuming cannabis or have been in an automobile driven by someone who had recently consumed cannabis.
“The study’s findings regarding attitudes and perceptions tells us there is a need for more education,” says Jeff Walker, CAA chief strategy officer.
“If you plan to consume cannabis this holiday season, don’t drive. Make an [alternative] arrangement just like you would for drinking.”
The study says that it is common for young people to think their driving is unaffected by cannabis but that some scientific studies say this is not true.
“Cannabis may impair your driving differently than alcohol, but the effect is the same: decreased reaction times that can lead to collisions and even fatalities,” says Walker.
The survey — carried out from November 27 to December 4, 2019 — polled over 1,517 Canadians and had a margin of error of +/-2.5%.
Follow Channels and Categories