More drivers impaired by drugs, research shows

Police in northeastern Ontario say drunk drivers still outnumber those driving under the influence of drugs — but that could soon change.

OPP Inspector Mark Andrews reports police in northeastern Ontario are finding more drugs on the roads.

"We're finding just about everything you can imagine."

Andrews said he is concerned drug use among northern drivers could get worse as prescription drug abuse continues to escalate in the province.

"People think, ‘well I can get away with that, there's not going to be an odour from it’," he said.

‘A shock for us’

It's a problem that's not unique to the north, according to Doug Beirness, a researcher with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

After leading investigations into drug and alcohol use in British Columbia, he discovered more drivers had drugs in their system than alcohol.

"That was a bit of a shock for us."

Beirness has tested more than 7,500 drivers in five cities.

He said BC's findings are likely reflective of what drivers are doing here in Ontario as well.

"I don't suspect there's that much difference," he said.

Information stickers added to drug containers by pharmacists often warn patients not to drive, and people need to take warning labels on their prescriptions seriously, a Sudbury pharmacist says.

"So the most common sticker is going to say, 'may cause drowsiness, alcohol may intensify this effect, and use care when operating a car or machinery’," Susan Loewen said.

Andrews said most OPP detachments now have officers trained and designated to recognize drivers impaired by drugs — and people who drive after taking certain medications could be charged with impaired driving.