Alarming Rise in Cannabis-Related Driving Incidents Among Ontario Drivers - What You Need to Know!

A concerning trend has emerged in Ontario, where cannabis use before driving is reaching unprecedented levels, according to a recent survey published by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO).

This alarming survey, conducted by Dig Insights, involved a representative sample of 1,664 drivers aged 19 and older across the province. The findings reveal that nearly one in five respondents (19%) confessed to consuming cannabis in some form before getting behind the wheel, a significant increase of five percent compared to the previous year.

Moreover, the survey uncovered that 53% of Ontarians have experimented with cannabis, marking a sharp rise of 14% since 2023. Michael Stewart, a representative from CAA SCO, emphasized that this increased acceptance of cannabis usage appears to correlate with a heightened risk of impaired driving.

Despite widespread acknowledgment of the risks, with 91% of drivers recognizing that cannabis use poses serious dangers to road safety—particularly among older age groups—many drivers continue to underestimate the impact of cannabis on their driving abilities. The survey revealed that approximately one-third of respondents who drove after using cannabis believed their consumption was low enough to not affect their driving (32%). Another 32% felt they had no choice but to drive home, and 28% assumed the trip would be brief.

Additionally, drivers in Ontario seem to be misjudging the risks associated with cannabis when compared to alcohol and illegal drugs. “There is a common misconception about cannabis and its effects on driving," Stewart stated. "However, research shows that driving under such influence can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time, coordination, and decision-making abilities, similar to the effects of alcohol.”

The survey further indicated that: - 52% of drivers who consumed cannabis admitted to doing so within three hours before driving. - 31% confessed to feeling high while behind the wheel. - 76% expressed confidence in their driving abilities, a decrease of ten percent from last year.

As the province embraces the growing cannabis culture, it’s crucial to stay informed about the potential consequences. The online survey was gathered between July 5 and July 18, 2024, and the results have a margin of error of plus or minus two percent.

What does this mean for road safety in Ontario? As cannabis becomes more prevalent in society, it’s vital for all drivers to be aware of its effects on their ability to drive and to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards impaired driving. Stay safe and drive responsibly; the roads depend on it!