Road Safety

Drug-impaired Driving

If you believe that driving under the influence of a drug does not impair your ability to drive, think again!

Still today, impaired driving is mainly associated with alcohol consumption, which is the number one cause of road accidents. However, drug-impaired driving is a growing concern.

The marked increase in drug consumption in Canada over the past ten years has resulted in an increased number of individuals who may be driving while impaired by drugs. Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide to better document the phenomenon. The SAAQ has also conducted a study on the impact of drugs on the road safety record.

Did You Know?

• There is no such thing as a harmless drug. All drugs affect the brain, and their effects are incompatible with driving.
• Often, drivers under the influence of drugs are not aware they are impaired. Drugs affect their driving ability even when they are under the impression that the drugs have worn off.
• The effects of drugs may vary from person to person and in the same person depending on circumstances. The effects will depend on the drug used, the individual's characteristics and the context in which the drug was taken.
• Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can affect driving ability. It is preferable to not take any risk and consult your physician or pharmacist.
• The consumption of several substances (alcohol/drugs) in combination is very dangerous and significantly increases the risk of being involved in a fatal accident.
• The main effects of drugs on driving are:
• drowsiness
• increased reaction time
• loss of coordination
• vision problems
• possible inability to manage the unexpected
• aggressiveness
• Drugs were found in approximately 25% of deceased drivers (between 1999 and 2002), and cannabis was the most prevalent.