LAW TO TARGET STONED DRIVERS

Cops Say Rules Will Allow For Drug-impaired Charges

Alberta cops will better be able to deal with drivers they think are
stoned or high when new legislation comes into effect Thursday.

The Alberta Administrative Licence Suspension program is being
expanded to include drug-impaired driving offences, effective Oct.
15.

"I believe we're the first province to do this and we're aligning our
rules and regulations to align with the federal government's Bill
C-2," said Alberta Transportation spokeswoman Tammy Forbes.

"We just want to try and make sure we have all the tools in place for
law enforcement to be able to crack down on impaired drivers.

"And when we say impaired, we mean not just alcohol but drug
impairment as well."

Under the current rules, police can ask drivers to take a voluntary
test if drug impairment is suspected but there is no repercussion for
saying no, unlike refusing a demand for a breath sample where alcohol
impairment is suspected, a criminal offence which can result in a
three-month driving suspension.

"If you are under the influence of a drug, your impairment to drive a
vehicle is the same as if you were consuming alcohol," said Forbes,
adding it's not just illegal drugs that can have that effect.

The current laws make it tough for police to act when they think
someone is stoned or high behind the wheel, said RCMP spokesman Cpl.
Wayne Oakes, as drivers can refuse to take a test.

"You would then have to have enough evidence to convince a judge or
justice of the peace for a warrant to obtain a sample and that can be
a difficult task," he said.

"It does add a great deal of challenge to an investigation where drugs
may be involved."

While he can't comment on legislation until it is actually in place,
Oakes said the new rules should make it easier for police.

"Generally speaking, legislation that will enhance public safety, as a
rule, is welcomed," he said.

Drivers were found to be impaired in 22% of fatal crashes on Alberta's
roads last year, according to numbers available on the Ministry of
Transportation website, www.saferoads.com.