CAA seeing more calls for drivers impaired by cannabis
As the 4/20 weekend approaches, Manitobans are being warned about the risks of driving while impaired by cannabis.
That’s because a survey from CAA Manitoba found that since legalization, 27 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers in Manitoba have gotten behind the wheel after the consumption of an edible.
The survey also found that 61 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers wait less than three hours before driving.
“We’ve got a bit of a situation here where there’s an education gap in cannabis, especially edibles, usage and driving,” said Ewald Friesen, CAA Manitoba’s community and government relations manager.
Friesen noted that consuming cannabis can impact a driver’s coordination, reaction time, as well their ability to measure the distance between themselves and other cars around them.
“All of which does not spell a particularly safe message out there on the road and is something that can be avoided,” he said.
To stay safe, Friesen urges Manitobans who’ve consumed cannabis to not get behind the wheel and make alternative travel plans.
He added that if you’ve eaten an edible and feel it hasn’t kicked in, you still should not drive.
“If you’re feeling good to drive, but you’ve consumed cannabis, take pause,” he said.
“Maybe make arrangements to stay where you are or to get a ride or to get a [designated driver] of some kind.”
Friesen noted that drug-impaired driving comes with the same penalties as alcohol-impaired driving. This includes fines, licence suspension, impoundment of your vehicle, an impaired driving assessment and possible charges.
“All of this can be avoided with some planning,” he said. “And just keeping safety in mind as we enter this 4/20 weekend.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.’s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease’s progression.
Canucks' Soucy suspended 1 game, Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosschecks on McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been suspended for a game and another was handed a hefty fine after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
'Ready to go': Fort McMurray residents prepared for evacuation as crews battle nearby wildfire
An evacuation alert remains in place in the Fort McMurray area on Monday afternoon.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.