CAA Cannabis Education Campaign

Canadian Automobile Association

CAA Launches Cannabis Education Campaign, #DontDriveHigh

The Campaign Reinforces that Smoking Cannabis can Impair Motor Skills, Reaction Time, Perception and Judgment

Toronto, ON – Dec 17, 2018

(CAA SCO) has launched their cannabis education campaign today called #DontDriveHigh. The campaign is geared towards young drivers to remind them that even though cannabis is legal, it’s not harmless, especially in situations where reaction time, motor skills and judgment are critical. Driving high is driving impaired.

“Just because you think you may be able to drive while high, doesn’t mean you should,” said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president, government relations, CAA SCO. “It’s important to remember that if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, find an alternative to driving
so you can arrive where you’re going safely.”

CAA and The Turn Lab agency, have created a series of videos demonstrating the impact cannabis has on concentration, coordination, reaction time and decision making.

CAA’s research shows that there is a gap in awareness of the effects of using cannabis, specifically, in young men. Men aged 25 to 34 are the most likely to drive under the influence of cannabis. Many are novice drivers who live in busy, urban areas.

“Our research shows that many Ontario drivers believe that there is a strong need for public education around cannabis legislation”, says Teresa Di Felice. Our campaign aims to educate young drivers with fun yet thought-provoking videos.”

The campaign kickoff took place at SPiN Toronto. Participants got to test their reaction time playing ping pong while using cannabis goggles.

As long-standing advocates for road safety, CAA is monitoring the impact of cannabis legalization across the province.