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." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom