CAA Warns of Cannabis Driving Risks Ahead of May Long Weekend

OTTAWA, ON – May 13, 2026 – As Canadians prepare to kick off the unofficial start of summer, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has issued a stark reminder about a persistent and growing danger on the nation's roads: cannabis-impaired driving. With travel expected to surge over the May long weekend, the organization is amplifying its call for drivers to plan for a safe ride home, highlighting research that underscores the significant risks associated with driving under the influence of cannabis.

Long weekends historically correlate with a spike in impaired driving incidents. Data from Canada's National Collision Database reveals a grim pattern: weekends account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities during the summer months. This upcoming holiday weekend is poised to be particularly busy, with increased traffic volumes and drivers often navigating unfamiliar routes, creating a perfect storm for potential collisions.

"Driving high increases the risk of collisions, especially during busy travel weekends, with more traffic on the roads, drivers navigating unfamiliar routes, and increased distractions," says Kristine D'Arbelles, managing director of public affairs for CAA National. "Planning ahead can ensure everyone arrives home safely."

The Unseen Dangers of Driving High

While many Canadians recognize the dangers of drunk driving, a pervasive and dangerous misconception exists that driving under the influence of cannabis is somehow safer. Scientific evidence and road safety data paint a very different picture. Research commissioned by the CAA confirms that cannabis significantly impairs the cognitive and motor skills essential for safe driving. The substance slows reaction time, degrades coordination, and diminishes a driver's ability to concentrate and maintain their lane or control their speed.

Studies show that cannabis consumption can double the risk of being involved in a serious crash. In 2021 alone, 496 Canadians died in crashes where a driver tested positive for drugs, with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance in such fatal incidents. The primary psychoactive compound, THC, directly impacts a driver's perception of time and distance, leading to critical misjudgments on the road. While an alcohol-impaired driver might exhibit recklessness, a cannabis-impaired driver's unpredictability—such as delayed reactions at intersections or difficulty maintaining a steady speed—poses a unique and equally severe threat to public safety.

The danger is amplified exponentially when cannabis is combined with alcohol. The impairing effects of the two substances do not simply add up; they multiply, creating a level of impairment far greater than either substance would cause on its own.

A Post-Legalization Reality on Canadian Roads

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018, concerns about drug-impaired driving have moved from hypothetical to a documented reality. In 2019, the first full year after legalization, police-reported drug-impaired driving incidents jumped by 43%. While overall impaired driving rates have fluctuated, the presence of drugs in drivers involved in fatal crashes has been a consistent and troubling trend.

Public surveys reveal a disconnect between perception and behavior. The 2023 Canadian Cannabis Survey found that a concerning 17% of cannabis users admitted to driving within two hours of consumption. This behavior is particularly prevalent among younger drivers; those aged 15-24 are twice as likely as older demographics to report driving after using cannabis.

This self-reported behavior is corroborated by roadside data. In Ontario, roadside surveys showed drug use among drivers climbed from 10.5% in 2017 to 14.5% in 2022, an increase driven primarily by cannabis. Despite this, nearly one in four Canadians still believe driving high is less dangerous than driving drunk, a belief that directly contradicts the evidence and puts lives at risk.

The Response: Laws, Enforcement, and Planning

In response to this public safety challenge, Canada has implemented some of the world's most comprehensive laws targeting drug-impaired driving. The Criminal Code sets specific legal limits for THC in the bloodstream, with escalating penalties that include hefty fines and mandatory jail time for repeat offenders. Law enforcement agencies are equipped with tools like roadside oral fluid testers and a contingent of specially trained Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to detect and charge impaired drivers.

Despite these robust measures, the ultimate responsibility for road safety lies with the individual driver. The CAA's national campaign focuses on this principle of personal accountability, urging Canadians to make responsible choices before their celebrations begin. The message is simple: if your plans involve consuming cannabis or any other impairing substance, driving cannot be part of the equation.

The organization outlines several straightforward and accessible alternatives to prevent a potential tragedy. Arranging for a designated driver remains one of the most effective strategies. For those in urban areas, public transit offers a safe and affordable option. In nearly every community, rideshare services and taxis are just a few taps away on a smartphone. Another simple solution is to plan to stay overnight with friends or family, eliminating the need to travel altogether.

"Driving high not only puts yourself at risk, but endangers everyone else sharing the road," D'Arbelles emphasizes. "By planning ahead and making responsible decisions this May long weekend, drivers can help reduce impaired driving incidents and keep Canada's roads safe for everyone."