OTTAWA -- Canadians who say they have driven after smoking drugs has more than doubled since the late 1980s, according to a study that reports young men drive while high just as often, or even more, than they drink and drive.
Almost five per cent of the 4,639 drivers surveyed said they had driven within two hours of using marijuana or hashish in the previous year an average of 24 times, said the Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse.
"The evidence we have is that the behaviour is increasing," said Doug Beirness, senior research associate for the federally sponsored agency. "Another factor that makes us believe it's an issue of concern is that it seems to be most concentrated among young people." Research remains inconclusive, however, on whether the hike in drugimpaired driving has contributed to car crashes causing injuries or death, said the study.
Do you think it's a coincidence that this research reinforces the Tories bid to push through drugged-driving legislation? No, me neither. But even in this article they admit that there is no proof that drugged-driving is a cause of traffic accidents. This just goes to show that if there is a political agenda to be promoted, any study will be interpreted as evidence.
I would like to point out that the rates of cannabis use has been increasing over the years, despite the War on Some Drugs so it really shouldn't be surprising that the incidence of drugged-driving is increasing. What this doesn't prove is that the drugged-driving legislation will reduce accident rates. Statistics should always be carefully scrutinized. The studies are influenced by factors such as the stigma to admitting use of illegal drugs, reefer madness and the honesty of the respondents.
Speaking of studies, here is a study that proves that women need to be married to be happy via Twisty.
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