Pubdate: Tue, 19 Dec 2006
Source: Langley Advance (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.langleyadvance.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248

DRUGGING AND DRIVING: ONE IN FIVE ADMIT TO DRIVING
IMPAIRED

Ex-policeman applauds tougher legislation.

There is no quick fix for anyone who drinks or uses drugs, then gets 
behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The only thing that reduces the effects of alcohol or drug impairment is time.

This holiday season the BCAA's Traffic Safety Foundation is 
encouraging everyone to take some time to think about the effects of 
impaired driving before they mix drinking or drugs with driving.

"I am pleased to see the federal government initiative to establish 
tougher legislation for impairment by drugs," said Allan Lamb, the 
foundation's executive director.

"It has been clear for years that a growing number of fatal crashes 
involve drivers who have been impaired by alcohol and drugs. Many 
police officers in B.C. have now been trained to detect drug 
impairment," said Lamb, a former police officer.

Driving is impaired when one's ability to do so is affected by any 
substance or condition that changes mood or perception of reality.

Alcohol or drugs, illicit or prescription, and even fatigue and 
stress will impair driving, he noted.

And there is no quick fix for the damage that can be caused by 
driving while impaired, Lamb said, citing effects which could include 
seriously injuring or killing someone; losing a licence or car; 
spending time in jail; or paying stiff fines.

Every week in B.C., impaired drivers kill an average of two people 
and injure more than 60 people.

Surveys show that, compared to all provinces, British Columbians were 
the most opposed to impaired driving yet one in five admits to 
driving after drinking.
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