THORNHILL, ON, Nov. 28, 2024 – A recent CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) survey reveals a concerning trend: increasing cannabis use among Ontario drivers. The study shows that over half (53%) of Ontario drivers have used cannabis, a 14% rise year-over-year.
This increase in cannabis use correlates with a rise in impaired driving. The survey indicates that 19% of Ontario drivers admit to driving after cannabis consumption, a 5% increase from the previous year.
“This data highlights the link between increased cannabis use and impaired driving,” explains Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA SCO. “Cannabis can be enjoyed responsibly, but never behind the wheel.”
Despite the rise in cannabis-impaired driving, driver confidence is declining. The survey found that:
- 52% of recent cannabis-impaired drivers drove within three hours of consumption.
- 31% reported feeling high while driving.
- 76% felt confident driving – a 10% decrease from last year.
- Additionally, 63% worried about getting caught.
Most drivers agree that cannabis-impaired driving is dangerous, though less so than alcohol-impaired driving.
The study reveals that 91% of Ontario drivers acknowledge the serious road safety risk of cannabis-impaired driving. This concern is particularly high among older drivers.
However, despite research on cannabis’s effects on driving, Ontario drivers generally perceive cannabis as less dangerous (90%) than alcohol (95%) or illegal narcotics and opioids (93%) in terms of impaired driving.
“There’s a misconception about cannabis’s effects on driving,” says Stewart. “Impaired driving significantly impacts reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, just like alcohol.”
Drivers who drove after cannabis use cited these reasons: believing they hadn’t consumed much (32%), having no other way home (32%), or thinking the drive would be short (28%).
Increased cannabis access and normalization may be contributing to higher consumption and impaired driving.
74% of Ontario drivers live near at least one cannabis store – a 14% increase from 2023. 35% report four or more stores nearby, up 6% from last year.
As the holidays approach, CAA SCO urges cannabis, alcohol, or drug users to plan ahead with designated drivers or other safe transportation options.
“While alcohol-impaired driving is deadly, we must treat cannabis-impaired driving with the same seriousness,” says Stewart. “CAA SCO stresses responsible cannabis use – never while driving.”
The online survey by DIG Insights ran from July 5 to 18, 2024, including 1,664 Ontario drivers aged 19+. With a 95% confidence level, the margin of error is +/- 2%.
About CAA South Central Ontario
CAA South Central Ontario, a not-for-profit auto club with over 2.5 million members, champions road safety and mobility. For over a century, CAA has partnered with communities, law enforcement, and governments to enhance road safety for drivers and their families.
SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario