Citizens, car accident lawyers greet new Ontario drug-impaired driving laws

]Drug-impaired driving is on the rise in the City of Toronto. On September 22, the CBC reported that ’58 drivers have been charged with impaired driving connected to drugs so far this year, compared to just 19 at this same time last year.’ Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving puts all road-users at serious risk of injury, and though car accident lawyers and rehabilitation workers can provide important resources to injury victims, life after a traumatic injury may never be the same. Toronto police announced the increase in drug-impaired driving at a recent meeting held to discuss concerns over Ottawa’s plan to legalize marijuana early next year. Although Toronto Police say prescription medications are a more likely culprit in drug-impaired driving cases, citizens still have valid concerns about how marijuana-using drivers will be dealt with under the law. On October 2, a new set of regulations was implemented by the Government of Ontario to discourage drug-impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. The new rules of the road include harsh penalties for driving under the influence of narcotics, and firmly establish drug-impaired driving as equivalent to drunk driving. Car accident lawyers hope the regulations will limit road accidents leading to serious injuries. “Whether it’s drugs or alcohol, impaired driving is never okay,” said Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca. “Not only do you face tough penalties, but you risk your life and endanger everyone around you. It’s not worth the risk. If you’re not sober, don’t get behind the wheel.” According to a September 28 provincial release, drug-impaired drivers will face: A $180 penalty And immediate licence suspension for three