Racing Against Drugs
The aim of Racing Against Drugs™ is to increase health and safety knowledge in youth, teaching them to make healthy, drug-free lifestyle choices. The children who participate in this program are the future drivers in the Kingston area. According to a study by SmartRisk, drinking and driving is responsible for about 40 per cent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. It is estimated that mortality can be reduced by 20 per cent through a reduction in drunk driving. This project will positively influence their future road behaviour, thus reducing the number of injuries related to drinking and driving.
The project also raises the awareness of school children in Grades 4 -6 about the hazards of drug and alcohol use, and also, teaches them to make healthy lifestyle choices. Finally, the program is offered to the entire community for one evening in an open house style format. This will allow families in the Kingston community to also benefit from this important safety message and reinforce these road safety messages throughout the entire community.
The format of Racing Against Drugs™ is very unique. It consists of a group of interactive "Pit Stop" stations, which provide different opportunities for police and community health professionals to tell their story. Live pit stop presentations present bicycle safety messages, create and impaired driving simulation and demonstrate the importance of wearing a seatbelt. In addition, the children will finish their visit by experiencing the excitement of racing by competing on a professionally built 1:24 scale slot car tracks. Experience shows that the racing atmosphere captures and holds the attention of young people. They listen, and absorb the anti-drug and healthy lifestyle messages.
