​Community invited to on-line panel about impacts of cannabis-impaired driving

The Grey Bruce Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, in partnership with the Regional Road Safety Committee, is hosting an on-line panel discussion about the impacts of cannabis-impaired driving, Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 12-1 p.m.

This free virtual event will bring together experts from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), the Windsor Regional Trauma and Injury Prevention Program, the OPP, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), people with lived experience and the Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID).

They’ll discuss the real-world impacts of cannabis-impaired driving and what communities can do to stay safe.

The panel will explore key topics such as:
 

• The effects of cannabis on driving ability and reaction time
• Current laws and enforcement related to cannabis-impaired driving
• The medical and trauma impacts seen in hospitals following collisions
• Youth perspectives on cannabis use and road safety
• Education and prevention strategies to reduce impaired driving in local communities

The virtual event will be held on Microsoft Teams; the link will be provided, following registration. Register here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/cannabis-impaired-driving-panel-discussion-tickets-1788092937109?aff=oddtdtcreator.

“As cannabis becomes more normalized, it’s crucial that drivers, especially young people, understand the risks and realities of driving while impaired,” said Matt Evans of OSAID. “This event is about awareness, education, and prevention. We want everyone to get home safely.”

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions, and learn practical tips to promote safer roads.

The success of this locally-developed campaign is helping to increase public knowledge about the effects of cannabis on driving ability and reaction time. With more than 2.9-million engagements on social media and in-person, to date, the campaign is effectively reaching young and novice drivers across Grey-Bruce, and even province-wide.

In addition to the social media efforts, print and other digital education materials supporting the campaign, are available at regional cannabis dispensaries, RIDE programs, and music festivals.

“Driving impaired by cannabis is just as dangerous and illegal as driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Jeremy White, West Grey police chief and vice-chairman of the well-being plan’s Crime Prevention Action Table. “Education is key to prevention, and this kind of event helps keep that message front and centre.”

OSAID is also helping to deliver that message, proudly partnering to support this important work. Through its Safe Roads Grant Program, which helps students lead peer-to-peer education on responsible driving, it is offering 20 grants of $500 to high schools across Ontario to raise awareness about safe driving behaviours, including the risk of driving under the influence of cannabis. More information and application details are available at www.osaid.ca/school-grants.