Impaired driving is one of the most common factors contributing to serious motor vehicle crashes in Canada. From 2000 to 2014, over 12,000 people are estimated to have died in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Drug-impaired driving is also a concern. According to a cannabis use and driving report, from 2000 to 2010, 16.6% of fatally injured drivers in Canada tested positive for cannabis. To help address impaired driving, CCSA conducts research, develops tools and resources, and produces materials to support evidence-based decisions and public policy.
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Drug-Impaired Driving
Drug-impaired driving is underreported in Canada, making it difficult to address effectively. To improve measurement, CCSA gathered expert recommendations and formed an advisory committee that developed 34 standardized indicators across medical, legal, transportation and public surveys to enhance data collection, reduce fatalities and support policy making.
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Research
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Canada, with youth being the most affected group. Research explores the impact of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs on driving, highlighting concerns about cannabis-impaired driving among adults and the effects of certain prescription medications.
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Resources
CCSA collaborates with partners to create evidence-based resources that raise public awareness about impaired driving, involving target audiences like youth in the design process. These resources include infographics, handouts and social media messages addressing alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and other drugs and driving.
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Policy and Regulations
Impaired driving has severe personal and societal consequences, prompting laws and regulations at both federal and provincial levels. CCSA publishes briefs to explain these policies and the tools law enforcement use to address impaired driving.
What is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving is operating any motorized vehicle (including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, trains, jet skis and snowmobiles) while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. It is an offence under the Criminal Code in Canada and is an issue of public health and safety.
Preventing and Reducing Impaired Driving
Individuals can avoid impaired driving by using another form of transportation, such as public transit, a designated driver, ride sharing or a taxi, or by planning to spend the night. Individuals should also avoid riding with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Bryce Barker, PhD, CE
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Latest CCSA Updates
CCSA’s Response to Health Canada’s Third Legislative Review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
In September 2025, CCSA officially submitted a response to the open consultation to Health Canada’s Third Legislative Review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA).
In September 2025, CCSA officially submitted a response to the open consultation to Health Canada’s Third Legislative Review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA).
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Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the six categories below:
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Substances
Delve into key resources on commonly used substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and psychedelics. Learn about their effects, usage patterns, associated health and social consequences, and harm reduction considerations
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Personal and Societal Impacts
Get insights on the personal and societal impacts of substance use and addiction , including gambling and impaired driving, and their effects on health, safety, and social well-being. Learn about effective prevention and harm-reduction strategies in various sectors.
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Communities
Communities share common interests, values or goals, and interact with one another to build relationships and help networks. These materials support more inclusive, equitable, and community-informed responses to substance use and addiction. Dive into resources highlighting people with lived and living experience, stigma, sex- and gender-based analysis, Indigenous Peoples, and housing.
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Treatment and Prevention
Explore medical, psychological, and social approaches aimed at helping individuals avoid or recover from substance use disorders. Get the facts on public health topics and learn about collaborative efforts to reduce stigma and promote more equitable, inclusive responses to substance use.
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Youth
Learn about factors influencing substance use in young people, including childhood trauma and brain development, and get tools to support adult allies in leading meaningful, evidence-informed conversations with youth. Content promotes early prevention, harm reduction and supportive environments for youth up to age 25.
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Substance Use and the Workplace
Substance use has a significant impact on the workplace, potentially affecting safety, productivity and employee well-being. Explore research on substance use in various industries. Resources support workplace leaders in building more supportive, stigma-free environments through practical strategies, improved approaches and initiative-taking education.
