Pubdate: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2008 Canwest Publishing Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Author: Rene Bruemmer, Canwest News Service Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving) Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/driving (Driving) DRUG USE BEHIND THE WHEEL IS ON THE RISE B. C. Study MONTREAL - While the message that drinking and driving kills has registered after 25 years of awareness campaigns, drug use behind the wheel is on the rise, according to a new B. C. study released last week. A survey of 1,500 drivers conducted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) found that while 8.1% of nighttime drivers tested positive for alcohol, 10.4% showed evidence of drug use. In total, 16.9% of drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol or both. The most common drugs found were cannabis, cocaine, opiates and cocaine and cannabis in combination. Age was not a factor, the study showed. Drivers 45 to 54 led drivers testing positive for drugs, in part because researchers also tested for legal drugs that can impair driving. No 16-to-18-year-olds tested positive for alcohol, but a small portion tested positive for drugs. "The good news is that drinking and driving appeared to be on the decline," said Doug Beirness, senior policy analyst at the CCSA and lead researcher of the study. "But the messages about drugs and driving don't seem to be getting through." The latest results were not a surprise to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which expanded its mandate beyond alcohol years ago in keeping with the increased use of cannabis among youth. "The problem with youth is that they're under the false impression they're better drivers when they smoke," said Marie Claude Morin, spokeswoman for the Montreal chapter. "So many will not drive after they drink, but they are quite convinced that it's OK to drive after you smoke pot. "And they're also under the false impression they can't be tested, and that cops can't tell." New legislation enacted in July gives police across Canada the power to bring drivers in for drug testing if they're suspected of impaired driving. Those who test positive face the same penalties as drunk drivers. The B. C. survey was conducted in three cities over four consecutive nights. Drivers were pulled over by police officers, then asked by researchers to volunteer to drug and alcohol testing. Tests were anonymous and there was no risk of arrest. Researchers used Breathalyzers for the alcohol tests and saliva tests for drugs. Ninety per cent submitted to alcohol tests, 80% to drug testing. Volunteers were given $10 gasoline coupons. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom