Pubdate: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc Contact: http://www.mrtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving) DRUGGED DRIVING CASES RISING Drunk driving is down, but drugged driving is higher, says a report by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. The 2008 B.C. Roadside Survey found that while fewer people were driving after drinking, more drivers tested positive for drugs. A study of 1,500 drivers found that 10 per cent of nighttime drivers tested showed evidence of drug use, while eight per cent tested positive for alcohol. A full 17 per cent tested positive for drugs, alcohol or both. "The good news is that drinking and driving appeared to be on the decline in the samples we collected," said Doug Beirness, senior research and policy analyst at the centre and lead researcher for the survey. "But the messages about drugs and driving don't seem to be getting through." Beirness said a 2004 study showed that drugs, often combined with alcohol, were detected in up to 30 per cent of fatally injured drivers. "People still don't think the use of drugs impairs their ability to drive a car," said Beirness. "Young people between 16 and 18 did not show any evidence of alcohol use, but a small proportion did test positive for drug use, indicating they may not know or understand the risks associated with drugs and driving. "This provides a strong argument for greater investment in education as well as increased countermeasures." Andy Murie, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Canada, said drivers, especially impressionable young drivers, need to know that driving drugged is dangerous. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin