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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman