A new study says drinking and driving is slowing in B.C. -- but it's not all good news.

The 2008 British Columbia Roadside Survey found while fewer people were driving after drinking, many more were driving high.

Of 1,533 drivers surveyed in June by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, more than 10 per cent showed evidence of drug use, while 8.1 per cent tested positive for alcohol.

A total of 16.9 per cent tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both.

Doug Beirness, a senior researcher at the CCSA, says while the findings about drinking and driving are encouraging, the message about drugs and driving may not be getting through.

"People still don't think the use of drugs impairs their ability to drive a car," said Beirness.

He cites the fact that while 16 to 18-year-olds didn't test positive for booze, some were under the influence of drugs, which indicates they may not understand the risk associated with being high and driving.

Beirness says despite perceptions that drug use is less harmful to drivers, there is growing evidence drug impairment is also a major contributor to crashes.

A study conducted in 2004 showed that drugs, often combined with alcohol, were detected in up to 30% of fatally injured drivers.

Some interesting findings from the study:

  • Drivers testing positive for drugs were represented by most age groups every night the survey was taken.
  • Age was not a factor in drug use among most drivers.
  • Middle-aged drivers, 45-54 years old, led positive testings for drugs.
  • This behaviour decreased somewhat in drivers aged 55 and older.
  • Drugs most frequently found were cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and cannabis and cocaine in combination.
  • Drinking and driving peaked on Saturday nights.

The Roadside Alcohol and Drug Survey 2008 was conducted Wednesday through Saturday nights in Vancouver, Saanich and Abbotsford in June 2008. Of all drivers surveyed, 90 per cent agreed to provide a breath sample to measure alcohol levels and 80 per cent volunteered to provide a sample of oral fluid (saliva) to test for drug use.

The full report is expected to be released in early 2009.

The findings will be used to evaluate the effects of Bill C-2, legislation that allows police to conduct roadside comprehensive drug testing.