POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 59 Drug impairment Impairment can also be caused by prescription and nonprescription medications, herbal remedies, illegal drugs, or other substances. Drinking in combination with drugs can be a lethal cocktail causing serious impairment. Pay close attention to the precautions noted on all medications that you may take before and during a planned road trip. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist. Some prescription and non-prescription drugs that may affect your driving skills are • pain killers such as codeine or other narcotics • antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants • antiemetic agents for nausea such as Gravol • antihistamines—sinus and allergy medications • antipsychotic drugs—major tranquillizers and similar medications, like phenothiazines (i.e., chlorpromazine), haloperidol • ophthalmic preparations including eye ointments and drops • sedatives and anxiolytics including barbiturates, benzodiazepines • muscle relaxants including skeletal relaxants • antihypertensive or blood pressure medications (usually during the first week as your body adjusts to the new medication) • antineoplastic agents • chemotherapeutic agents • immunosuppressants • steroids (Source: Physician’s Guide to Driver Examination) Penalties for impaired driving Certain driving behaviours are considered sufficiently dangerous to be dealt with under the Criminal Code of Canada. It is an offence to operate or have care or control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The penalties for a conviction are severe, including a fine of up to $2000 and a prison term of up to life for impaired driving causing death. If you are convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada, you will also be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle anywhere in Canada for one year to life. Administrative Licence Suspension Program The Administrative Licence Suspension Program was introduced June 1, 1995, as a further deterrent to drinking and driving. The program provides for an immediate three-month suspension of driving privileges for failing the breathalyzer or refusing to give a breath sample. The specific objectives of the program are to 1 decrease the number of drinking drivers by providing a strong deterrent 2 reduce the potential for additional incidents by immediate suspension of driving privileges If you are charged, the police will order a three-month suspension of your driving privileges and will issue a sevenday temporary licence, only if you have a valid licence. Effective October 2010, any driver with a bloodalcohol content level between 50 mg/100 ml (.05) and 80 mg/100 ml (.08) may be removed from the road and suspended from driving for a minimum period of 7 days. continued ...
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