DON'T DRINK - OR USE DRUGS - AND DRIVE: RCMP

Local police are stopping as many drivers high on marijuana as they are
those under the influence of alcohol, two local Mounties told a group of
parents last week.

Staff Sgt. Randy Brown and Const. Andrew West told high school parents that
with all of the mixed messages young people are getting these days about
marijuana many think smoking grass and driving is okay.

"The reality is that marijuana is a mind-altering drug that affects
judgement and coordination of the driver," Brown said in a statement issued
after the meeting last Tuesday. "The message of ' Don't drink and drive"
needs to be expanded to 'Don't use drugs and drive.'"

Parents at the meeting, which was organized by the RSS Parents' Advisory
Committee, were told that despite those concerns the most significant issue
facing youth today was alcohol abuse, which is the No. 1 killer of young
people through car crashes.

Parents were also informed about the latest trends in illegal drug use and
the rising popularity of methamphetamine in the region.