Prescription pain killers for Canada drivers

What is your employer's position on these drugs being used by one of their drivers?

 

Canada's position is explained in Section 253 of the Criminal Code of Canada. I will paraphrase for brevity. You simply may not operate a vehicle while your ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs. This includes any prescription drugs, over the counter drugs or illicit "street" drugs.

It is not expressly illegal to use Vicodin etc. as long as it is prescribed by a physician and it DOES NOT IMPAIR your ability to safely operate your vehicle. This is where it gets tricky. Most pain killers are apt to cause a certain amount of drowsiness or lack of the ability to concentrate fully. Especially the opiates or opioids. Vicodin is a mix of hydrocodone and acetaminophen - the hydrocodone being an opiate. Codiene, oxycodone, oxicontin, percocet etc.etc. are all capable of impairing driving in varying doses given an individuals physiological makeup.

Following is simply my opinion and "two cents worth."

First of all, check with your company as to their policies. If you travel into Canada in possession of Vicodin etc. keep them in their original containers from the drug store and perhaps travel with a note from your doctor stating in his/her opinion that the dosage prescribed "should" not impair your ability to operate safely. (he or she may not do this)

If you are involved in an accident that causes any injury or death you can be sure that the question of possible driver impairment will be a major part of the investigation. In Ontario, prescriptions containing narcotics are usually labelled with a warning about driving and operating machinery while on this medication.

If you were to be charged and convicted with impaired driving in Ontario......your next job will likely involve the phrase..."Would you like fries with that sir?"

The moral of the story.....be careful and do your homework which may include other ways to manage pain.

 

For the OP, your homework involves reading National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 6, specifically chapter 12.

 

don't use anthing with codeine in it if you buy your meds. in Canada or you'll fail the drug test
...all I know