EDUCATION WOULD HAVE BETTER IMPACT

Re: PM aims at drugged drivers, Nov. 10

While I understand what the government is trying to do here and I
realize that driving while impaired by any substance is a terrible
idea, I can't help but feel that the passing of this legislation will
have a negative impact on our civil freedoms. Though Stephen Harper
didn't mention any specific drug, I get the impression that the main
purpose of this legislation is to catch drivers who are high on
marijuana. The problem with this is that there is no sure-fire way to
tell if someone is currently high.

With alcohol, a breathalyzer test can give a fairly accurate
indication of the level of impairment and a blood test can verify the
results. With marijuana, there is no tool to detect the current level
of impairment, and THC (the primary psychoactive substance found in
marijuana) can remain in the bloodstream for many days after the
person has last used the drug, rendering blood tests virtually useless.

This leaves us with Harper's suggestion -- drug recognition experts.
The problem with this is that humans make mistakes, and it's only a
matter of time before a "drug recognition expert" determines,
incorrectly, that someone is under the influence of drugs.

Instead of simply using the law to ban these activities, the
government should consider approaching this issue with education. If
society was made aware of why it is a bad idea to drive while high,
instead of what might happen if someone's caught, I can't help but
think it would have a greater impact.

Ryan Bennett

London, Ont.