Distracted and Impaired Driving

Distracted Driving

Driving demands your full attention. Every day, people get behind the wheel and take their attention away from the road. That includes adjusting the stereo, looking for something in the car, eating or drinking, using their phone and GPS.

Tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Keep your phone out of reach
• Download anti-texting software onto your phone
• Don't text or call others when you know they are driving. Parents often call their teenagers to make sure they are safe on the road or have safely reached their destination. But calling or texting them while they are driving may cause them to be distracted.
• Have a designated texter while driving. If you have a friend or passenger in the care with you, have them answer the phone or respond to text messages.
• Set your radio station or play list before you hit the road.
• If you must answer a call or text, pull off the road in a safe area and put your vehicle in park before you answer, or use a hands free option if your vehicle is compatible.

Distracted Driving Stats:

• Distracted driving is a factor in 4-million motor vehicle crashes in North America each year. (CAA)
• Distracted drivers are 3 times more likely to be in a crash than attentive drivers.
• Some form of driver distraction is a contributing factor to 80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes.
• Drivers that are texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash compared to non-distracted drivers.
• Economic losses caused by traffic collision-related health care costs and lost productivity are at least $10-billion each year or about 1% of Canada's GDP.

Impaired Driving

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 16-25 year olds, and alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in 55% of those crashes. (MADD Canada)

Drug Impaired Driving

Drug impaired driving is illegal and just as dangerous as driving drunk. Plan ahead - don't drive high. Drugs can affect your:

• Reaction time
• Concentration
• Peripheral vision
• Coordination
• Depth perception

If you are pulled over by police while operating a motor vehicle (automobile, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, boat, etc.), police have the legal authority to conduct a Standard Field Sobriety Test. If you fail these tests, the police officer can demand you provide a sample of your breath before a qualified technician, or by demand, and as soon as possible, require you to submit to an evaluation to test for drug impairment using a trained Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). The DRE will determine the classification of drug (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogen, inhalants, cannabis, etc), at which point the police have the authority to demand a sample of blood, urine or saliva for testing by an approved medical toxicologist.

There are two prohibited levels for THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis: it is a less serious offence to have between 2 nanograms (ng) and 5 ng of THC per ml of blood. It is a more serious offence to have 5 ng of THC or more per ml of blood.

Having any detectable amount of LSD, psilocybin, psilocin ("magic mushrooms"), ketamine, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine or 6-mam (a metabolite of heroin) in your system within two hours of driving is also prohibited.

The prohibited level for GHB is 5mg or more per litre of blood, since the body can naturally produce low levels of this drug. (Government of Canada)

Alcohol Impaired Driving

The prohibited blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is 80 milligrams or more (mg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of blood.

The prohibited levels of alcohol and cannabis, when found in combination, is 50mg or more of alcohol per 100ml blood and 2.5 ng or more of THC per ml of blood. (Government of Canada)

Finding a safe way home

If you are drinking or consuming drugs, do not get behind the wheel. Plan ahead for a safe alternative way home.

• Have a designated sober driver – if they begin drinking, find a new plan.
• Pack an overnight bag! Do your hosts have a spare bedroom or couch? Ask to stay the night, OR plan to stay at a nearby hotel.
• Get a cab or ride share service.

Ride share service safety tips

Do you use Uber, Lyft or other rideshare services? Here are some tips to keep you safe!

• Before you request a ride, think about where you're going and review the app's safety features so you know how to use them.
• Make sure you are getting in the right car by first checking that the licence plate, driver photo and name all match what's listed in the app.
• Ride in the backseat, especially if you're riding alone to ensure you can safely exit on either side of the vehicle and to give you and the driver personal space.
• Buckle up to reduce injuries or even save your life in case of a collision.
• Share trip details! Most apps let you share the driver's name, photo, licence plate and location with a friend or family member so they can track your trip.
• Protect your personal information, because there's no need to share any of your contact information with the driver.
• Trust your instincts and use your best judgement, and if you ever feel you're in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Provide feedback on how your trip went as it helps improve the ride-sharing experience for others and provides accountability.

Penalties for impaired driving