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New Drug-Impairement Testing Now In Effect
Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2008
Source: Golden Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 The Golden Star
Contact: http://www.thegoldenstar.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2144
NEW DRUG-IMPAIREMENT TESTING NOW IN EFFECT
As of July 2, 2008 drivers will have to submit to a Standardized
Field Sobriety Test for impairment when demanded by a peace officer
who suspects they are driving while impaired by drugs.
Bill C-2 empowers Canadian police who suspect a driver of being
impaired by any drug, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, to
demand the subject submit to a breathalyzer test, physical
coordination tests and an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert
using the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) assessment along
with a demand of bodily fluid samples (blood, saliva or urine).
"We are very pleased with this new law," stated Allan Lamb, executive
director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation. "Reducing the number
of drug impaired drivers on B.C.'s roads is a priority for the Foundation."
During the month of June, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse held
random roadside drug surveys in several B.C. communities to gather
baseline information about the extent of impairment by drugs as well
as alcohol.
Results of this survey should be known this fall.
"I am particularly concerned that young drivers who act responsibly
toward the problem of drinking and driving, have no idea that they
are also impaired after using cannabis," says Lamb, who was present
at one of the roadside surveys in the Lower Mainland.
Research supporting this legislation is clear. Epidemiologic studies
of drug use among fatally injured drivers in Canada indicate that
drugs, often in combination with alcohol, are detected in up to 30
per cent of fatally injured drivers. Public opinion surveys indicate
that about 17 per cent of Canadian drivers report having driven
within two hours of using an impairing substance.
According to CCSA's Canadian Addiction Survey, 5 per cent of drivers
in Canada admitted driving within two hours of using cannabis, a 50
per cent increase since 1989. Among those 16 to 18, 21 per cent
reported having driven after using cannabis, slightly higher than the
20 per cent who reported driving after alcohol use.
"Such findings suggest that the drugs and driving problem is by no
means insignificant and may in fact be increasing," says CCSA Manager
of Research and Policy Doug Beirness.
New penalties under the law include a fine of not less than $1,000
for the first offence, and imprisonment for the second offence of not
less than 30 days and not less than 120 days for each subsequent offence.
Anyone convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or both will be prohibited from driving a vehicle for one to
three years for the first offence and two to five years for the second offence.
There are currently over 1,100 officers in B.C. trained to recognize
drug impairment in drivers. Officers with drug recognition training
will now be present at road checks in communities around the province.
Currently Golden RCMP are without a drug recognition expert but will
be having Constable Colin Kaiser taking the training. "Summertime
marks the highest rates of driving while impaired in BC. With the
enactment of Bill C-2 on July 2 we hope to see a reversal in this
trend," said Lamb.
Time is the only thing that reduces the effects of impairment. Don't
get behind the wheel if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart