WINNIPEG, MB, April 17,
2024 /CNW/ - CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is
encouraging Manitoba drivers to
remain vigilant this month by driving responsibly – and sober. In a
recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, alarming data
highlights concerns related to cannabis-impaired driving,
particularly involving edibles. Key findings from the 2023 survey
found that since legalization, a third of impaired drivers (27 per
cent) in Manitoba have driven a
vehicle after consuming an edible form of cannabis.
"The data shows us that there is a significant number of
impaired drivers under the influence of edible cannabis which poses
a great risk to road safety," says Ewald
Friesen, community and government relations manager at CAA
Manitoba. "Edibles pose a greater risk for impairment and road
safety since they can often take up to two hours for the effects to
kick in."
According to the survey, 61 per cent of cannabis-impaired
drivers in Manitoba wait less than
three hours before getting behind the wheel. Due to the
prolonged absorption of edible cannabis, the potential for drivers
to get behind the wheel before they even realize they are beginning
to feel the effects poses a serious risk to road safety.
The data shows that 89 per cent of Manitoba drivers agree that driving under the
influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road
safety. However, 67 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers feel
confident in their ability to drive.
"While some believe that cannabis doesn't impair their driving
ability, it has been proven to affect coordination, reaction time,
decision-making and the ability to pay attention. We would like to
see more public education and awareness on the risks of
cannabis-impaired driving," says Friesen.
More than half of Manitoba
drivers (64 per cent) believe that cannabis-impaired driving is the
most important public education topic related to cannabis – more
than education on health risks (63 per cent) and health risks for
youth under 25 (59 per cent).
Despite the concern for road safety and driving impairment, 21
per cent of Manitoba drivers are
not aware of the penalties that could be faced for any type of
impaired driving. According to Manitoba Public Insurance, this can
include an immediate 24-hour licence suspension with a
maximum of 60 days upon further testing, a $400 vehicle impoundment of three days, a
mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment at the driver's expense and
potential charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.
CAA is encouraging motorists to get informed, know the rules,
and make the right choices – don't get behind the wheel when
impaired. Instead, make alternate arrangements, such as utilizing
rideshare services, to ensure a safe journey home.
Dig Insights conducted an online survey on behalf of CAA
Manitoba between June 22 to July 5,
2023, of 500 Manitoba drivers aged 19-75 who had access to a
vehicle. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per
cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 3 per
cent.
About CAA Manitoba
CAA Manitoba is a trusted Member-based organization that
provides products and services that are essential to Members'
safety and peace of mind. With over 200,000 Members in the
province, CAA Manitoba advocates on issues such as road safety and
infrastructure, the environment, seniors' mobility, and consumer
protection. From legendary 24-hour emergency roadside assistance to
expert automotive, travel and insurance services, a CAA Manitoba
membership offers a great range of savings, rewards, and benefits.
For more information, visit caamanitoba.com.
SOURCE CAA Manitoba