TEEN DRIVERS HIGH ON POT PART OF 'DISTURBING TREND,' POLICE SAY

'Youth Are Dying In Crashes That Are 100% Preventable'

Police fear society's mellow attitude toward marijuana is having a
dangerous impact on teens.

"Some youth out there actually believe marijuana is legal and that
it's not a problem to drive under the influence," said Langley RCMP
Cpl. Diane Blain. "But it is a big deal, and we have to look at it that way."

At a news conference yesterday, Blain was joined by drug officers and
politicians to discuss what they view as a growing problem.

"We're seeing a disturbing trend -- youth are dying in crashes that
are 100-per-cent preventable," said drug awareness co-ordinator Cpl.
Beth Blackburn.

"Roadside memorials are popping up all over the place. How many more
of these do we need to see?"

Four years ago, Helen Featherson's son Simon and his friend Dayton
Unger, both 16, were killed in a car crash in Langley. The
16-year-old driver of the speeding Mustang was acquitted of impaired
driving even though tests showed he had a high level of pot's active
ingredient, THC, in his blood.

"My son would be working very hard today, building his dreams,"
Featherson said, her voice trembling.

"As Simon gave to many in his life, he gave to many in his death.

"That's why I'm here today. . . . We hope that the tragic death of
our son Simon proves to be a positive force to bring about real change."

In March of this year, three Nanaimo teens were also killed when the
car in which they were passengers hit a retaining wall and flipped
end-over-end.

Regional coroner Vince Stancato confirmed the car's driver was under
the influence of marijuana at the time.

But Simon Fraser criminologist Neil Boyd said anecdotal evidence from
police doesn't necessarily mean drugging-and-driving numbers are on the rise.

"The rate of people driving under the influence usually follows the
rate of use," said Boyd. "The best data we have shows us that the
rate of use has not really changed since the early 1990s."

Crown counsel spokesman Stan Lowe could not provide statistics on the
number of impaired-driving charges brought before the court, but said
impaired charges involving drugs are rare because it's difficult to
prove consumption.

But the federal Conservative government may change that.

Langley MP Mark Warawa said yesterday that the government is working
on legislation to deal with drug-impaired driving.

"The goal is to give police officers the tools they need to remove
impaired drivers from our streets," he said.