Proposed legislation sparks comparisons between cannabis and other road safety issues
Survey suggests, Ontario drivers anticipate more collisions due to drug-impaired driving
THORNHILL, ON, Sept. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Earlier today, the provincial government unveiled its road safety plans set to coincide with the legalization of cannabis across the country next summer.
The proposed legislation, if passed, would address the issue of drug-impaired driving particularly as it relates to both novice drivers and commercial drivers.
As a long-standing advocate for road safety, CAA South Central Ontario is recognizing the work being done by the Ministry of Transportation to strengthen impaired driving laws in Ontario and keeping our roads safe.
"We applaud the provincial government for taking the necessary proactive steps to address road safety ahead of cannabis legalization", said Teresa Di Felice, CAA South Central Ontario's Director of Government and Community Relations.
Di Felice goes on to say that, "The measures announced today will align drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired offences for young and novice drivers, ensuring there is a zero tolerance while they are in their formative years of driving and most at risk of being in a crash.
Similarly, the zero tolerance levels proposed for commercial drivers, is an additional measure to help keep Ontario's roads safe."
Today's announcement mirrors recent research conducted on behalf of CAA SCO, by Ipsos. The findings show that in Ontario, two-in-five current cannabis users have operated a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
In addition, most Ontario drivers are not familiar with the current fines/penalties for marijuana-impaired driving.
The survey also found that Ontario drivers believe there will be an increase in the frequency of marijuana-impaired driving, and that there may be more collisions due to cannabis use once legalized.
When asked, 71 per cent of those surveyed say that cannabis is as dangerous as both alcohol impairment and distracted driving on our roads.
Respondents also agreed that public education remains the number one area for preventing marijuana-impaired driving.
CAA's focus is to ensure that road safety and public education on the changes remains at the forefront of efforts to legalize cannabis.
About CAA South Central Ontario
As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and government to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.
SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario
Nadia Matos, PR Specialist, P: (905) 771-3058, C: (416) 523-0663, E: [email protected]; Kaitlynn Furse, PR Manager, P: (905) 771-3194, C: (647) 227-7559, E: [email protected]
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