Drugs & Driving Don't Mix

Most of us know that drinking and driving is a bad mix, but what about drugs and driving?

Taking drugs before driving - whether they are legal or not - is also dangerous. Drugs and driving are a big problem in Canada: studies show drugs are found in up to 30% of drivers killed in crashes.

Drugs can make it harder to react, judge distances and make decisions. You may find it harder to steer, stay in your lane or drive at a steady speed. You become much more impaired when you use two or more drugs before driving. And the combined effects of even a little alcohol and drugs can be much greater than the effect of either one alone.

On July 2, 2008, a new law gave Canadian police officers more power to deal with drivers impaired by drugs. If an officer thinks you are driving while impaired by any drug, he or she will ask you to take a Standardized Field Sobriety Test. During this roadside test, the officer will check your eyes and see if you are having trouble keeping your balance.

If you do seem impaired, the officer will take you to the police station. There, an expert will test your coordination, look into your eyes, interview you and take your temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure. You will also have to give a sample of urine, saliva or blood. Refusing to comply with the officer's request is a criminal offence.

The dangers of drug impaired driving are like those of alcohol impaired driving. The penalties for a conviction are the same as well.