New cannabis law increases need for impaired driving awareness

By Ashley Gholampoor

 

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving has renewed a campaign involving impaired driving for cannabis users.

Chaouki Hamka was elected to the regional director in September 2018 following 15 years with MADD. Hamka joined MADD when he was enrolled in the law and security program. He was required to have volunteer hours to complete the program.

“I blindly chose MADD out of a list that was provided,” said Hamka. “After completing the program, I continued to volunteer for MADD Windsor and Essex County.”

Hamka said on multiple occasions he has reported impaired drivers, including when his car was hit by an impaired driver.

“I was very lucky to walk away without any injuries,” said Hamka. “The driver that hit us was arrested and charged at the scene of the crash.”

Hamka said he renewed the campaign because of the new cannabis legalization laws in Canada. The MADD website contains multiple tips on and how the public can be aware of what a potential impaired driver will act like. The 911 campaign ranges all across Canada and the idea is to motivate people to report any suspected impaired drivers. Three new offences have been created as of June 2018.

“There is a zero tolerance for novice and commercial drivers,” said Hamka. “This means if you are under the age of 21 and have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence or an A-F licence.

MADD does not provide any counselling services but does provide victim support services. There are more than 20,000 victims and survivors who are given support all across Canada every year, according to the MADD website. It also states the services are free.

Hamka said he enjoys being part of the organization and it gives him the opportunity to assist in the growth of MADD. He said it is a different type of leadership role and his love for humanity assists with that.

“I am humbled and delighted to support victims and survivors of impaired driving,” said Hamka. Victims are our number one priority and I personally believe in that.”

Jora Dhillon, 52, was an impaired driver but said he stopped drinking and smoking at the age of 29.

“I hurt myself, my wife, my parents and other family members with my addiction,” said Dhillon. “It was unfortunate for whoever would run into me while I was on a binge.”

He said he would be over the legal limit of alcohol driving in the morning and would then smoke cannabis all day. Dhillon said he was dangerous while intoxicated, being arrested on several occasions.

“One minute I was your best friend, then I could turn and put a glass in your face,” said Dhillon. “I’m not proud of my past but it is that.”

Dhillon started drinking alcohol when he was 11 years old and started smoking cannabis at 13 years old. He said he did both because he would always do anything he was not supposed to do. Dhillon said he regrets drinking and driving and due to his arrests, it affected his ability to get a job.

“I lost my dream job in auto repairs and I loved cars,” said Dhillon. “I couldn’t make it to jobs on time and it affected everything in pursuing and progressing my dreams.”

Dhillon joined Alcoholics Anonymous 21 years ago. He said he is happy that he is in recovery and is anti-drinking and driving altogether to keep himself and others safe.

“I stopped because I was sick and tired and mentally and spiritually bankrupt,” said Dhillon. “I’m so happy I did not kill anyone or myself.”

MADD Canada encourages everyone who suspects anyone who is an impaired driver to call their local police or Crime Stoppers.