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Thursday, March 28, 2024
Young Canadians more likely to drive high, CAA poll finds

Seventy per cent of younger Canadians aren't likely to plan alternative travel arrangements after consuming cannabis, new research from the Canadian Automobile Association has found out.

The results are based on a survey of more than 1,517 Canadians carried out from Nov. 27 to Dec. 4, 2019.

The poll states that 86 per cent of younger Canadians are more likely to plan travel arrangements, such as getting a taxi, a ridesharing service or a designated driver, after they consume alcohol, while 70 per cent of respondents said they’re likely less to do so after smoking pot.

“These findings are shocking and demonstrate the importance for further education,” CAA Niagara’s spokesperson Cody Cabral said in a statement. “If you plan to consume cannabis during the holidays, don’t drive. Make alternative arrangements like you would for drinking.”

Twenty-six per cent or a quarter of Canadians, aged 18 to 34, also said they’ve driven after consuming cannabis or they have been in a vehicle driven by a high driver.

“Cannabis may impair your driving differently than alcohol, but the effects are the same – decreased reaction times, that can lead to collisions and even fatalities,” Cabral said. “CAA Niagara will continue to educate the public on the risks associated with driving under the influence.”

CAA Niagara has more than 138,000 members with five locations in Niagara region: St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and member rewards.

 

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