GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT

In one of those instances of "I can't believe they haven't already
done it" the federal government has proposed legislation that would
allow police officers to charge drivers who are suspected of operating
their vehicles while under the influence of drugs.

Considering statistics show that 'stoned' drivers are as dangerous as
drunk drivers, it is stunning that legislation hasn't already been
passed.

For instance, driving under the influence of alcohol has been a
Criminal Code offence for decades, yet, drivers under the influence of
drugs such as marijuana were rarely charged, even if they are just as
likely to either cause or be involved in an accident. And as we all
know, those accidents can have a deadly toll.

The biggest stumbling block for enforcement is the method for
conducting a test that will determine if someone is intoxicated.
Practically every driver, at some point, has been given a breathalyzer
and, for the most part, have been sent on their way just seconds later.

Right now, there is no similar test for drugs. Also there is a much
wider scope of drugs available. The questions are endless. The answers
aren't quite there yet.

The first step in the battle, and what really has to be emphasized, is
spreading the message that driving while stoned is socially
unacceptable. Previously, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, along with
the police, did wonderful work in getting into the schools and getting
kids to understand that message. It can be done again with a constant
and concerted effort. As we saw before, children are very effective
messengers.

While opinion may be divided in regard to the illegality of some
drugs, on the issue of drug-impaired driving there can be no divergence.

Let's get this done.