The Current has received the following press release about National Teen Driver Safety week.
Drug-impaired driving among teens is a major concern. Following the recent legalization of cannabis, priority should be placed on talking to teens about the seriousness of impaired driving.
Janice Sawbridge Community Safety Officer, Renfrew OPP reports
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is committed to ensuring Ontario’s roads are safe from drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired drivers. We know that 21% of fatally injured teen drivers tested positive for cannabis. These deaths were tragic and preventable. The OPP will continue to educate people and enforce impaired driving laws in our efforts to save lives and make our roads safer. Do your part by always driving sober.
Some key facts:
- More than one in four teens said they’ve driven within two hours of consuming cannabis
- More than one in five teens believe cannabis does not impact their ability to operate a motorized vehicle
- four in ten teens said they had been in a car with a driver who had consumed cannabis
- Whether impaired by drugs or alcohol, the criminal penalties are the same
Parents and other adult allies can contribute to reducing the health risks and harms related to cannabis, including impaired driving. Listed below are some helpful resources that can provide great information to help start the conversation:
- RCDHU Cannabis Q&A
- Government of Canada: Don’t Drive High
- Cannabis Talk Kit: Know How To Talk With Your Teen
Click HERE to learn about National Teen Driver Safety week.
Renfrew County District Health Unit (2018, Oct.26) Don’t drive high [Press release].
Image: tobi on pexels.com