A 2010 study, published in the Journal of Traffic Injury Prevention, concluded that more than 10 per cent of drivers randomly pulled over for a survey tested positive for drug use, compared to eight per cent who had been drinking alcohol. A 2012 study (http://ow.ly/wNop5) found a two-fold increase in the risk of an accident if there is any measurable amount of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) in the bloodstream.
“We’re proud to support this important public safety campaign. Driving after consuming alcohol poses tremendous dangers for motorists, other drivers and pedestrians but choosing to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming certain prescription drugs or illegal substances can be just as dangerous,” says Dan Markiewich, Inspector of Emergency Operations at GSPS. He adds that “Not only are you putting yourself and others in physical danger, but legal consequences are just not worth the risk.”
The campaign features a public information booklet, “The Eyes Have It: Stoned Driving is Impaired Driving”, which contains information on driving while impaired (alcohol and drugs) as well as traffic collision reporting, protecting consumers from fraud, and Ontario’s racing, seat belt, and distracted driving laws. Copies of the booklets are now available at GSPS headquarters on Brady St. and at the Lionel E. Lalonde Center in Azilda.
Locally, the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) of the GSPS implemented the 12-Month High Visibility Program to address a variety of road safety issues in our community. Sgt. Tiplady, officer in charge of the TMU states that: ``GSPS continues to schedule RIDE spot checks throughout the year to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to reduce, with the goal to eliminate, impaired driving. ``
She adds that: ``The Greater Sudbury Police Service has several officers trained to conduct the Standard Field Sobriety Tests at road side to address impaired driving by alcohol or drugs; we also have Drug Recognition Experts to combat the issue of Impaired Driving by drug``.
The educational component to address impaired driving through the PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program will also continue by way of information sessions and display booths throughout the year.
The 2014 Drive Safe! R.I.D.E. traffic safety campaign is made possible through the support of: Accident Support Services International Ltd., Arrive Alive DRIVE SOBER®, Allstate Canada Group of Companies, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Canadian Tire Corporation, Canpar Courier, Government of Ontario, Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, Personal Injury Alliance, RSR-Global, Smart Serve Ontario, Spirits Canada, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and VIA Rail Canada.
To download a copy of the booklet `The eyes have it. Stoned Driving IS Impaired Driving`, please visit: http://www.oacp.on.ca/news-events/campaigns/drive-safe-campaigns.