READY TO LEARN: SMART TIPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Smoking pot and driving is a dangerous combination for teens,
according to the National Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

The campaign's Web site says about 38,000 U.S. high school seniors
reported in 2001 that they were in accidents while driving under the
influence of marijuana, and 46,000 said they had accidents while
impaired by alcohol. In addition, the campaign says, auto collisions
are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds.

The campaign suggests parents help teens avoid marijuana
by:

. Learning facts about marijuana and talking to teens about its
harmful health, social, learning and mental effects on users.

. Setting rules, such as letting them know that using marijuana is
unacceptable. Limit driving at night, with other teens and in poor
weather conditions. Limit teens riding with other new drivers, and
insist they never ride with a teen driver who has been drinking or
using drugs.

. Monitoring your teen's whereabouts and whom they are with. Get to
know your teen's friends and their friends' parents.

. Staying alert to drug use warning signs: distance from family and
friends, lack of interest in personal appearance, changes in eating or
sleeping habits, trouble in school.

. Encouraging participation in constructive activities, such as those
offered after school.

. Praising and rewarding good driving and drug-free behavior. Enjoy
time together as a family.

For more information, go to www.TheAntiDrug.com.