Driving after drinking in Canada: findings from the Canadian Addiction Survey

Despite substantial decreases in the magnitude of the alcohol-crash problem over the past 25 years, many Canadians continue to drive under the influence of alcohol, causing thousands of serious injuries and deaths every year.

Data from the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey (CAS) were used to determine the prevalence of self-reported driving after drinking and the characteristics of those who engage in the behaviour.

Overall, 11.6% of licensed drivers in Canada reported operating a vehicle within an hour of consuming two or more drinks containing alcohol. Less than 5% of licensed drivers accounted for 86% of the more than 20 million (estimated) past-year drinking and driving occurrences. Drinking Drivers reported more extensive and problematic use of alcohol, and were more likely to report illegal drug use relative to Non-drinking Drivers.

Driving after drinking remains a common behaviour among Canadian drivers. Those who persist in driving after drinking can be distinguished from other drivers on the basis of their greater use of alcohol and drugs. Those who drive after drinking frequently consume even greater quantities of alcohol on more frequent occasions and are more likely to experience problems as a result of their drinking. These findings suggest that countermeasure efforts need to be continued on all levels and expanded to specifically target high-risk heavy drinkers.