The marihuana legalization bill is expected to come into effect ^on July 1, 2018. He says he is there for the protection of young people. A question arises: “Will our roads remain as safe?” »

SOME NUMBERS

According to the SAAQ, from 2011 to 2015, 18% of deceased drivers had cannabis in their blood. During the same period, 30% of drivers aged 16 to 24 who died in a road accident in Quebec had THC in their blood.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS?

The Criminal Code, which is governed by federal law, prohibits driving impaired by cannabis or any other drug. The consequences of this act could lead to the suspension of the driver’s license for 24 hours, to receive a fine of a minimum of $1,000, to end up with a criminal record, to have his license revoked for 1 or 3 years, and even jail if there is an accident that would have caused injury or death.

DETECTION AFTER DRINKING IS POSSIBLE

When a policeman stops you and he doubts that your driving abilities are impaired by the use of drugs and/or medication, he may ask you to take movement coordination tests. These tests are; the horizontal nystagmus test (eye movement), the gait test (walking and turning around) and the balance test (standing on one foot). If after performing these tests, the police officer still has doubts about your ability to drive properly, he has the power to take you to the police station for more in-depth tests.

ATTACKING THE SCOURGE

The SAAQ recently published an advertisement on the effect of cannabis while driving that has been viewed nearly 200,000 times on Facebook and YouTube. Very happy that it caused a reaction, the SAAQ sends a clear message: one of the effects of drugs while driving is the weakening of reaction time. For more information on the subject visit the website of theSAAQ.

Despite the enthusiasm of young people at the announcement of the legalization of marihuana, driving under the influence of it is ALWAYS PROHIBITED!