VAUGHAN, ON, OCTOBER 26, 2017 –Young Drivers of Canada and Public Safety Canada are pleased to announce they will be working together to communicate the dangers of drug-impaired driving to Canadian youth.
“As an industry expert, we have always made our students aware of the dangers associated with distracted-, alcohol- and drug-impaired driving”, says Peter Christianson, President of Young Drivers of Canada. “We are excited to be partnering with a government department that understands the importance of raising awareness on the effects of driving under the influence of drugs.”
Although cannabis is set to become legal for recreational use in 2018, driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs remains illegal. Police can test and determine whether or not the driver is indeed driving under the influence of cannabis or other drugs. If the test produces a positive result, the driver may face charges. It is no secret that driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a major contributor to fatal collisions across Canada, with our young population being the largest group affected. It is vital for citizens to be aware that even when authorized by a medical doctor, drugs such as cannabis significantly increase the risk of a collision by impairing the driver’s judgement, as well as their ability to remain alert enough to operate a vehicle.
Over the course of the next year, Public Safety Canada and Young Drivers of Canada will work together diligently to continue to spread this important message across the country via public service announcements, and sharing material through various social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
“Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. Young drivers need to start their driving experience on the right road by saying no to driving after using drugs,” says the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “Public Safety Canada’s partnership with Young Drivers of Canada will help ensure young and new drivers understand the dangers of drug-impaired driving and learn how to drive safely for many years to come.”
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About Young Drivers of Canada
Young Drivers of Canada is Canada's largest driver training organization. Established in 1970, the organization is home to over 140 classrooms and provides training programs for new drivers, fleet drivers and driver improvement. Young Drivers is committed to being Canada's leading provider of driver training, teaching new drivers Collisionfree! techniques that will reduce the number of road deaths and injuries.
About Public Safety Canada
Public Safety Canada was created in 2003 to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians.
The department’s mandate is to keep Canadians safe from a range of risks such as natural disasters, crime and terrorism.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Adam Lombardi
Young Drivers of Canada
416-322-7000 x.230, Email: alombardi@yd.com
Scott Bardsley
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
RELATED LINKS
www.youngdrivers.com
www.publicsafety.gc.ca