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."