On top of Old Smokey

As if sharing roads with motorists who are distracted and inattentive weren't challenge enough, North American truck drivers now have something else to worry about: motorists who are high.

A study from the Canadian Automobile Association's (CAA) South Central Ontario (SCO) unit shows that approximately 1.2 million Ontario drivers have, at some point, driven high after consuming cannabis. A full 72% reported waiting three hours or less to get behind the wheel, with 27% feeling very or somewhat high when they did.

The study comes as Canada approaches the first anniversary of the country's legalization of cannabis and prepares for the introduction of legal edibles, and it suggests that the public underestimates the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving, the group says. Commissioned by CAA and conducted by Dig Insights in June 2019, the study surveyed 1,510 Ontarians between the ages of 19 and 70 who have a valid driver's license.

"It is crucial to continue to explore and understand what impact the legalization of edibles may have on Ontario's roads," Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations at CAA SCO, said in a release. "If Ontarians choose to consume edibles, they should be aware of [their] delayed psychoactive effects and the impact on their ability to drive."