The latest MADD Canada statistics from 2019 show there were 86,864 alcohol and drug-related charges laid against drivers.
Statistics Canada says the police-reported impaired driving rate increased by 19% in 2019 from 2018.
“Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most common substances involved in impaired driving and motor vehicle crashes (in the United States),” said Priscila Dib, a postdoctoral research fellow in the epidemiology department at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City.
When a person drives with booze and pot in their system, their cognitive function and physical movements are affected, which impacts driving performance, according to research.
“Cannabis is second only to alcohol among substances found in drivers involved in crashes or charged with impaired driving. It is also the most frequent drug found mixed with alcohol in those involved in vehicle crashes,” according to CAA National.
