Pubdate: Wed, 31 Aug 2005
Source: Daily Observer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2615
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

A CAMPAIGN TO SAVE LIVES

We have all been well indoctrinated in the inherent hazards of drinking and 
driving. Most of us have paid attention; the numbers of people who get 
behind the wheel after having one too many has decreased steadily since 
high-profile PR campaigns have driven home the point that to drink and 
drive is to court legal repercussions at best, loss of your life or others 
at worst.

Now one of the organizations that has taken a lead role in educating the 
public about the dangers of drinking and driving is changing gears somewhat 
- -- to the dangers of mixing drugs with driving.

For the next generation of motorists, drugs like marijuana are the most 
popular form of hallucinogen and, therefore, drug impaired driving is of 
growing concern. With that in mind, this week MADD Canada launched a new 
campaign designed to inform young Canadians that it is not all right to 
take drugs or toke, and then drive.

Karen Dunham, national president of MADD Canada, said "drugs like marijuana 
are popular with students, and there is a myth out there that it is all 
right to toke and drive. It isn't. Drug impairment is as dangerous as if 
you're drinking alcohol."

She went on to say that MADD needs to get this message across to young 
Canadians: If you're high, you can't drive.

The organization is commencing its campaign at Canadian colleges and 
universities with media released through this week, and with on-line 
materials dedicated to its awareness effort.

This fall, MADD Canada will release new public service announcements 
focused on drug-impaired driving. They will speak directly to young people 
and debunk general misconceptions about drugs and driving.

MADD Canada has become more involved with drugs and driving, sadly, out of 
necessity.

According to Andrew Murie, MADD Canada's chief executive officer, "the 
trends show that drug-impaired driving is a growing concern."

He said MADD wants to help the police get this message across and ensure 
the judiciary understands the new trends toward drug use and driving.

"It is essential that all Canadians, not just young Canadians, understand 
drug impairment and driving don't mix," he said.

With this new campaign getting off the ground, it behooves all of us to 
take responsibility when it comes to making young people aware of the 
dangers of toking and driving, and help them resist the temptation that 
drives them to place themselves, and others, at risk.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman