A CAMPAIGN TO SAVE LIVES

We have all been well indoctrinated in the inherent hazards of drinking and
driving. Most of us have paid attention; the numbers of people who get
behind the wheel after having one too many has decreased steadily since
high-profile PR campaigns have driven home the point that to drink and
drive is to court legal repercussions at best, loss of your life or others
at worst.

Now one of the organizations that has taken a lead role in educating the
public about the dangers of drinking and driving is changing gears somewhat
- -- to the dangers of mixing drugs with driving.

For the next generation of motorists, drugs like marijuana are the most
popular form of hallucinogen and, therefore, drug impaired driving is of
growing concern. With that in mind, this week MADD Canada launched a new
campaign designed to inform young Canadians that it is not all right to
take drugs or toke, and then drive.

Karen Dunham, national president of MADD Canada, said "drugs like marijuana
are popular with students, and there is a myth out there that it is all
right to toke and drive. It isn't. Drug impairment is as dangerous as if
you're drinking alcohol."

She went on to say that MADD needs to get this message across to young
Canadians: If you're high, you can't drive.

The organization is commencing its campaign at Canadian colleges and
universities with media released through this week, and with on-line
materials dedicated to its awareness effort.

This fall, MADD Canada will release new public service announcements
focused on drug-impaired driving. They will speak directly to young people
and debunk general misconceptions about drugs and driving.

MADD Canada has become more involved with drugs and driving, sadly, out of
necessity.

According to Andrew Murie, MADD Canada's chief executive officer, "the
trends show that drug-impaired driving is a growing concern."

He said MADD wants to help the police get this message across and ensure
the judiciary understands the new trends toward drug use and driving.

"It is essential that all Canadians, not just young Canadians, understand
drug impairment and driving don't mix," he said.

With this new campaign getting off the ground, it behooves all of us to
take responsibility when it comes to making young people aware of the
dangers of toking and driving, and help them resist the temptation that
drives them to place themselves, and others, at risk.