Pubdate: Tue, 07 Dec 2004 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2004 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Note: Does not print LTEs from outside it's circulation area. Author: Claudia Little Note: Headline written by newshawk Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving) DRUG CZAR WRONG AGAIN Drug czar John Walters, gets it wrong again ("Drug czar says perils of pot unappreciated," News, Dec. 3). He says the government wants to change the perception that driving after smoking marijuana is less dangerous than after drinking alcohol. Recent research, published in the professional journal Accident Analysis and Prevention states, "There was no increased risk for road trauma found for drivers exposed to cannabis." On the other hand, alcohol significantly increased the risk of serious accidents, even in less than legal blood alcohol limits. Another study in the United Kingdom found that moderate amounts of cannabis actually improved driving performance. No one advocates using any psychoactive substance while driving, but telling the truth to our youth is the only way to educate meaningfully. CLAUDIA LITTLE San Diego - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake