DRUGGING AND DRIVING: ONE IN FIVE ADMIT TO DRIVING
IMPAIRED

Ex-policeman applauds tougher legislation.

There is no quick fix for anyone who drinks or uses drugs, then gets
behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The only thing that reduces the effects of alcohol or drug impairment is time.

This holiday season the BCAA's Traffic Safety Foundation is
encouraging everyone to take some time to think about the effects of
impaired driving before they mix drinking or drugs with driving.

"I am pleased to see the federal government initiative to establish
tougher legislation for impairment by drugs," said Allan Lamb, the
foundation's executive director.

"It has been clear for years that a growing number of fatal crashes
involve drivers who have been impaired by alcohol and drugs. Many
police officers in B.C. have now been trained to detect drug
impairment," said Lamb, a former police officer.

Driving is impaired when one's ability to do so is affected by any
substance or condition that changes mood or perception of reality.

Alcohol or drugs, illicit or prescription, and even fatigue and
stress will impair driving, he noted.

And there is no quick fix for the damage that can be caused by
driving while impaired, Lamb said, citing effects which could include
seriously injuring or killing someone; losing a licence or car;
spending time in jail; or paying stiff fines.

Every week in B.C., impaired drivers kill an average of two people
and injure more than 60 people.

Surveys show that, compared to all provinces, British Columbians were
the most opposed to impaired driving yet one in five admits to
driving after drinking.