Gary Howard, vice-president communication with CAA Atlantic, said with legalization set for October the organization wants to ensure the public is educated on how cannabis can affect driving.
“Knowing the facts and gaining an understanding before use can keep everyone safe and off the roads,’’ Howard said.
CAA believes government and other stakeholders must focus their attention on making sure that the legalization of marijuana doesn’t increase the frequency of drug-impaired driving. The organization said it has done significant technical and consumer research on the topic and is a participant on the federal government’s task force on the legalization of marijuana.
CAA research confirms this is a very concerning issue for Canadians and suggests there is a lack of public education around the effects marijuana has on a driver’s ability to safely control their vehicle.
According to the research, adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to believe cannabis doesn’t affect their driving with 34 per cent saying that a driver under the influence of marijuana is the same or better behind the wheel.
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