Risk perceptions of cannabis- vs. alcohol-impaired driving among Canadian young people

摘要

Cannabis-impaired driving (CID) is associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. A number of studies have reported on the prevalence of CID and/or riding in a vehicle with a cannabis-impaired driver (RCID), which appears to have increased in certain jurisdictions. However, there is little evidence on beliefs and perceptions of risk associated with CID vs. alcohol-impaired driving (AID). This study examined perceptions of CID and AID, prevalence of CID, and associations with cannabis use status. Respondents aged 16-30 years in Canada (n = 870) were recruited via a commercial panel and completed an online survey in October 2017. Perceptions of risk for CID were significantly lower than those for AID (p < .001). Cannabis use status predicted past CID, RCID, and low perceived risk of motor vehicle accidents (p <= .01). CID behaviors were prevalent among young people in Canada: over 40% of respondents reported RCID, and 17% reported CID - including over a third of past-year cannabis users. Respondents also reported a lower willingness to intervene (p < .001) and reduced likelihood of legal consequences (p < .001) of CID compared to AID. These perceptions may be important barriers to reducing CID and should be prioritized in public education campaigns targeting both youth and young adults.