Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2008
Source: Golden Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 The Golden Star
Contact:  http://www.thegoldenstar.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2144

NEW DRUG-IMPAIREMENT TESTING NOW IN EFFECT

As of July 2, 2008 drivers will have to submit to a Standardized 
Field Sobriety Test for impairment when demanded by a peace officer 
who suspects they are driving while impaired by drugs.

Bill C-2 empowers Canadian police who suspect a driver of being 
impaired by any drug, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, to 
demand the subject submit to a breathalyzer test, physical 
coordination tests and an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert 
using the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) assessment along 
with a demand of bodily fluid samples (blood, saliva or urine).

"We are very pleased with this new law," stated Allan Lamb, executive 
director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation. "Reducing the number 
of drug impaired drivers on B.C.'s roads is a priority for the Foundation."

During the month of June, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse held 
random roadside drug surveys in several B.C. communities to gather 
baseline information about the extent of impairment by drugs as well 
as alcohol.

Results of this survey should be known this fall.

"I am particularly concerned that young drivers who act responsibly 
toward the problem of drinking and driving, have no idea that they 
are also impaired after using cannabis," says Lamb, who was present 
at one of the roadside surveys in the Lower Mainland.

Research supporting this legislation is clear. Epidemiologic studies 
of drug use among fatally injured drivers in Canada indicate that 
drugs, often in combination with alcohol, are detected in up to 30 
per cent of fatally injured drivers. Public opinion surveys indicate 
that about 17 per cent of Canadian drivers report having driven 
within two hours of using an impairing substance.

According to CCSA's Canadian Addiction Survey, 5 per cent of drivers 
in Canada admitted driving within two hours of using cannabis, a 50 
per cent increase since 1989. Among those 16 to 18, 21 per cent 
reported having driven after using cannabis, slightly higher than the 
20 per cent who reported driving after alcohol use.

"Such findings suggest that the drugs and driving problem is by no 
means insignificant and may in fact be increasing," says CCSA Manager 
of Research and Policy Doug Beirness.

New penalties under the law include a fine of not less than $1,000 
for the first offence, and imprisonment for the second offence of not 
less than 30 days and not less than 120 days for each subsequent offence.

Anyone convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, 
alcohol or both will be prohibited from driving a vehicle for one to 
three years for the first offence and two to five years for the second offence.

There are currently over 1,100 officers in B.C. trained to recognize 
drug impairment in drivers. Officers with drug recognition training 
will now be present at road checks in communities around the province.

Currently Golden RCMP are without a drug recognition expert but will 
be having Constable Colin Kaiser taking the training. "Summertime 
marks the highest rates of driving while impaired in BC. With the 
enactment of Bill C-2 on July 2 we hope to see a reversal in this 
trend," said Lamb.

Time is the only thing that reduces the effects of impairment. Don't 
get behind the wheel if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart