Drugged driving on the rise
Posted Jan 18, 2011 8:11 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary police are reporting an increase in the number of drivers they are pulling over who are high on street, prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Last year at least 32 drivers were tested for impaired driving involving drugs. That’s up almost twice as much as in 2009.
The Calgary Police Service now has 13 trained and certified drug recognition experts.
Fines and penalties for drivers who are convicted of drugged driving are no different than those who are caught drunk. Both are subject to hefty fines and lengthy suspensions.
The president of the Calgary Police Association says people need to do a better job educating themselves about the things they are putting into their bodies.
John Dooks tells 660News doctors and pharmacists are great resources when it comes to explaining the interaction of various drugs and how they might impair a person’s ability while behind the wheel.
