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NORTH VANCOUVER, BC – Youth from various schools on the North Shore have come together to create four video shorts aimed at catching the attention of their peers with a simple, singular message: Don’t drive high. “North Shore youth are to be commended for their creative efforts to reach out to others about the need to drive safely,” said North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto. “Hopefully, by youth talking to their peers through these four video shorts, the dangers of driving drugged will be seen and heard,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan. “Getting behind the wheel under the influence not only puts your own life at risk but the lives of others on the road – and getting this message across is critically important,” said West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre. “Our youth are our future and this innovative youth project is the result of a collaborative approach of North Shore communities – hopefully, it will make a positive difference,” said North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite. The videos will be showcased on URL-TV, Canada’s first online healthy lifestyle channel for youth, which is hosted on Xperiment.ca, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse’s (CCSA) award-winning drug-prevention website for youth. “CCSA is pleased to see these community groups coming together to develop this peer-to-peer initiative,” says Michel Perron, Chief Executive Officer of CCSA. “As research shows that prevention efforts are more effective when they take a comprehensive approach and link to activities in schools, communities and families.” “Video is a persuasive tool,” said Kerrie Watt, Alcohol and Drug Consultant for Vancouver Coastal Health, School District #45 and the District of West Vancouver. “Youth speaking to youth from their perspective has a greater impact on behaviour than hearing the same message from parents, youth workers or media. These videos send a clear message that youth DO care about public safety.” According to CCSA’s 2010 BC Roadside Survey, drug impaired driving is almost as common among BC drivers as driving after drinking. “Other recent research tells us that 20 per cent of youth aged 16 to 18 reported driving within two hours after using cannabis,” Watt said. “This indicates strongly to us that there exists a huge gap in education and prevention.” To address this gap, Vancouver Coastal Health, the City of North Vancouver, the Districts of North and West Vancouver and the North Shore Action on Prevention Task Force, and Pacific Cinematheque came together with youth in the community to create short videos that explore the issue of drugged driving. After alcohol, marijuana is the most prevalently used drug among British Columbians. Consequently there is a higher probability of people making risky choices around driving high or accepting a ride from someone who is under the influence of marijuana. Youth are particularly at “Youth, and even some adults, seem to think it is okay to drive under the influence of marijuana; that it’s No Big Deal,” said Watt. “These videos take direct aim at that apathy, and challenge viewers to think about the issue more critically.” Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is responsible for the delivery of $2.9 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities, including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. Media contact Trudi Beutel
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