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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.