A survey by State Farm has found that 80% of Canadians are concerned about people driving the under the influence of marijuana.
With last week’s tabling of federal legislation regarding marijuana, the survey looks into how Canadians feel about the proposed legislation and how it will deal with impaired driving.
Most Canadians worried about high drivers
The online survey, which was conducted in March 2017, polled 3,061 respondents across the country.
It found that 80% of respondents are concerned about people driving under the influence of marijuana and 83% feel that there is not enough information about the risks that come with driving while high.
“With legalization now imminent the need for more public education and awareness is clear, marijuana is a drug, and like alcohol, it affects your abilities and senses,” said John Bordignon, of State Farm Canada in a release.
“Law enforcement and the legal system need the necessary tools and laws in place to ensure the safety of all Canadians on our roads.”
The majority of respondents (68%) also said that the do not feel that the Canadian legal system has made progress over the past year in order to deal with individuals who drive under the influence of marijuana.
Government addresses driving under the influence
Last week, Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, emphasized that driving while impaired by drugs is and will remain illegal.
“Young people who test positive for alcohol or drugs continue to be the largest group of people killed in vehicle accidents,” said Wilson-Raybould.
See also
- Canada’s marijuana legalization bill finally revealed
Wilson-Raybould said the legislation would give police the ability to use oral fluid screening devices to test drivers for drug use if they had reasonable suspicion to do so.
Based on the results, police could then require a blood sample or drug evaluation at the police station, she said.
Survey shows changing attitudes
Despite the concern over high drivers, the survey found that Canadians have accepting views towards marijuana use.
One of every four survey respondents said that their views on marijuana changed since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to legalize pot.
Of those who say their views changed, nearly 70% said that they think marijuana has become more acceptable to use.
credit:dailyhive.com