Pubdate: Tue, 02 Dec 2014
Source: Southern Gazette, The (CN NF)
Copyright: 2014 Transcontinental Media
Contact:  http://www.southerngazette.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4042
Author: Colin Farrell
Page: A2

IMPAIRMENT HAS MANY FORMS

Canadian Safety Council raising awareness of the dangers of driving
while impaired by drugs

The Canadian Safety Council is concerned that not enough people are
aware of the serious consequences of driving while impaired by drugs.

The organization said in a news release that the focus, traditionally,
has been on alcohol-impaired crashes, while fatalities linked to the
use of drugs tend to fly under the radar.

A report from the safety council says statistics show that testing
done on drivers who died in crashes found 33 per cent showed signs of
drug impairment.

A person does not have to be on illegal drugs to be considered
impaired while behind the wheel.

"It can be caused by (certain) prescription drugs, as well," explained
Cpl. Tony Young of the RCMP's traffic services division.

He cautions that a person found driving while on medication that
impairs their judgment, even if it has been prescribed, could face
charges.

Young said officers can avail of drug recognition experts, members
trained to identify people suspected of using drugs.
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