DRUG-TAKING AND DRIVING ON RISE: SURVEY

Cannabis, cocaine, opiates most common drugs found in testing

MONTREAL - While the message that drinking and driving kills has
registered after 25 years of awareness campaigns, the use of drugs
behind the wheel is on the rise, according to a new study out of
British Columbia last week.

A survey of 1,500 drivers conducted by the Canadian Centre on
Substance Abuse in June found that while 8.1 per cent of nighttime
drivers tested positive for alcohol, 10.4 per cent showed evidence of
drug use. In total, 16.9 per cent of drivers tested positive for
drugs, alcohol or both.

The most common drugs found were cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and
cocaine and cannabis in combination.

Age was not a factor, the study showed. Drivers 45 to 54 led drivers
testing positive for drugs, in part because researchers were also
testing for legal drugs that can impair driving.

No 16- to 18-year-olds tested positive for alcohol, but a small
portion tested positive for drugs.

"The good news is that drinking and driving appeared to be on the
decline," said Doug Beirness, senior policy analyst at the centre and
lead researcher of the study.

"But the messages about drugs and driving don't seem to be getting through."

A 2004 study found that drugs were detected in as many as 30 per cent
of fatally injured drivers, Mr. Beirness said.

The latest results were not a surprise to Mothers Against Drunk
Driving, which expanded its mandate beyond alcohol years ago in
keeping with the increased use of cannabis among youth.

"The problem with youth is that they're under the false impression
they're better drivers when they smoke," said Marie Claude Morin,
spokeswoman for the Montreal chapter.

"So many will not drive after they drink, but they are quite
convinced that it's OK to drive after you smoke pot.

"And they're also under the false impression they can't be tested,
and that cops can't tell."

New legislation enacted in July gives police across Canada the power
to bring drivers in for drug testing if they're suspected of impaired
driving. Those who test positive face the same penalties as drunk drivers.

The B.C. survey was conducted in three cities over four consecutive
nights. Drivers were pulled over by police officers, then asked by
researchers to volunteer for drug and alcohol testing.

Tests were anonymous and there was no risk of arrest.

Researchers used breathalysers for the alcohol tests and saliva tests
for drugs. Ninety per cent submitted to alcohol tests, 80 per cent to
drug testing.

Volunteers were given $10 gasoline coupons.

An anti-drug campaign could take effect quickly since the public has
already been trained not to drink and drive, Mr. Beirness said.

But it will also be problematic because there are hundreds of
different drugs, and many users might not understand that taking
allergy-curing antihistamines along with a couple of drinks could
have devastating effects.

In addition to public awareness campaigns, family doctors and
pharmacists will have to pass the message along, he said.

8.1% - tested positive for alcohol

10.4% - showed evidence of drug use

From a survey of 1,500 nighttime drivers conducted by the Canadian
Centre on Substance Abuse