Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2008
Source: Delhi News-Record, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc.
Contact:  http://delhinewsrecord.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2391
Author: Kaitlin Doherty
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

TEENS GET MESSAGE ABOUT NOT DRIVING ON DRUGS

"Why drive high?"

That's the question that the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and 
Ontario Provincial Police were asking graduating Delhi District 
Secondary School students last week with an interactive game, 
questionnaire, and prizes.

"With the May long weekend coming up, followed by prom, we thought 
this would be a fun and interactive way to clear up the myths about 
driving high," said Michelle Pasichnyk, health promoter 
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. "It really speaks to youth because it 
was developed by youth."

The interactive game is similar to the board game Operation. There 
are two small vehicles attached to a wire circle that run along a 
track to and from the 'pot party'. The 'sober' circle is 30 per cent 
larger than that of the 'under the influence' circle. With a timer 
running, students must arrive at the party sober, and leave under the 
influence.

The smaller circle attached to the 'under the influence' car shows 
the students how much concentration and time it takes to arrive home alive.

"I thought it would be easier than it was. It took a long time, a lot 
of concentration, and I ended up crashing a lot," said Grade 11 
student Adam Davis.

" Kids get the 'don't drink and drive', but they seem to think 
driving under the influence of drugs makes them concentrate more and 
makes them a good designated driver, but it's just as unsafe," said Pasichnyk.

Cannabis affects all of the skills required for properly and safely 
driving a vehicle. Alertness, concentration, coordination, reaction 
time and perception are all extremely altered.

"The notion is to get students planned for prom and long weekends. 
Making them aware of the danger is first priority. Second priority is 
getting them to plan ahead for their nights out," Pasichnyk said.

"Spend the night, call a cab, and ask your parents or siblings. Just 
plan ahead."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom