DRUG CZAR WRONG AGAIN

Drug czar John Walters, gets it wrong again ("Drug czar says perils of
pot unappreciated," News, Dec. 3). He says the government wants to
change the perception that driving after smoking marijuana is less
dangerous than after drinking alcohol. Recent research, published in
the professional journal Accident Analysis and Prevention states,
"There was no increased risk for road trauma found for drivers exposed
to cannabis."

On the other hand, alcohol significantly increased the risk of serious
accidents, even in less than legal blood alcohol limits. Another study
in the United Kingdom found that moderate amounts of cannabis actually
improved driving performance.

No one advocates using any psychoactive substance while driving, but
telling the truth to our youth is the only way to educate meaningfully.

CLAUDIA LITTLE

San Diego