Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 2004
Source: Revelstoke Times Review (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Bowes Publishers
Contact:  http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2139
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)

DON'T DRINK - OR USE DRUGS - AND DRIVE: RCMP

Local police are stopping as many drivers high on marijuana as they are 
those under the influence of alcohol, two local Mounties told a group of 
parents last week.

Staff Sgt. Randy Brown and Const. Andrew West told high school parents that 
with all of the mixed messages young people are getting these days about 
marijuana many think smoking grass and driving is okay.

"The reality is that marijuana is a mind-altering drug that affects 
judgement and coordination of the driver," Brown said in a statement issued 
after the meeting last Tuesday. "The message of ' Don't drink and drive" 
needs to be expanded to 'Don't use drugs and drive.'"

Parents at the meeting, which was organized by the RSS Parents' Advisory 
Committee, were told that despite those concerns the most significant issue 
facing youth today was alcohol abuse, which is the No. 1 killer of young 
people through car crashes.

Parents were also informed about the latest trends in illegal drug use and 
the rising popularity of methamphetamine in the region. 
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