Who: CAA South Central Ontario and The Turn Lab.
What: A new cannabis education program entitled #DontDriveHigh.
How: A video humorously demonstrating how cannabis use slows reaction time and can lead to bad decisions. The effects of cannabis might be relatively benign in a safe environment, but can be deadly behind the wheel.
Aw man, why they gotta harsh people’s high? CAA’s research shows there is a sizeable gap in people’s awareness of the effects of cannabis. Men 25-34 are the most likely to drive after using cannabis. Many of them are novice drivers living in busy, urban areas.
Ping-ponging to awareness: The campaign kicked off with a launch event at the ping-pong club SPiN Toronto, where participants were invited to test their reaction time by playing ping-pong while wearing “cannabis goggles,” an educational tool that replicates the cognitive impairment associated with cannabis use.
They say: “Just because you think you may be able to drive while high, doesn’t mean you should. It’s important to remember that if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, find an alternative to driving so you can arrive where you’re going safely.” – Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president, government relations, CAA SCO.
– Chris Powell