As Canada prepares for national marijuana legalization, scheduled to begin in July 2018, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced that it will offer training to cannabis retail workers to help prevent intoxicated driving.
MADD Canada CEO Andrew Murie told CBC Radio that retail outlets need to be knowledgeable about the various cannabis products being sold. “We want to have responsible service for cannabis, denying people that are minors that are trying to purchase and also anybody that might be intoxicated, whether by cannabis or alcohol,” he said.
Signs of cannabis intoxication are different from alcohol, Muries said. “It’s harder for cannabis,” Murie said, “and we don’t have decades of training and frontline experience to do it.”
MADD is also teaming up with Uber in an awareness initiative promoting safe and sober driving during the holiday season.
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The campaign, which runs through December, will have Uber Canada make a $1 donation to MADD Canada for every “Compliment” badge riders send via the app to their driver, up to a total donation of $100,000.
“We’re excited to give our riders the opportunity to show their appreciation to drivers and help stop impaired driving by supporting MADD Canada,” said Adam Blinick, director of public policy and communications for Uber Canada. “As the official designated driving app of MADD Canada, we’re committed to fighting impaired driving and helping Canadians make smart transportation decisions as they celebrate the holiday season.”
As part of the initiative, MADD Canada also unveiled its latest public service announcement, which can be viewed here. With its overarching message—No mom should have motherhood taken away—this new PSA encourages viewers to consider how their decisions have a lasting impact on those closest to them. MADD Canada reminds viewers to make a responsible choice.
“This PSA shows the profound impacts that choosing to drive impaired can have on the ones we care about,” said Murie. “Having safe, convenient and accessible transportation options is critical, which is why we are so excited to partner with Uber to help reinforce this important message.”
According to MADD Canada, most impaired driving incidents happen at night and during the weekend. In cities where Uber operates in Canada, rush hour for ridesharing is not when people are getting to and from work, but late at night when bars close.
