Editorial: The growing menace of drug driving

IT is fair to say that most people would find it very difficult to forgive the person responsible for taking the life of their child.

The sheer joy of young girls and boys playing sport is something adults should cherish.

IT is fair to say that most people would find it very difficult to forgive the person responsible for taking the life of their child.

That task would be even harder if the child died in circumstances that were entirely preventable.

Such is the terribly sad case of Jasmine White, who died in a car that crashed when its driver Adam Cocks lost control while he was high on methamphetamines.

The heartfelt words of forgiveness from Jasmine’s mother Megan King were more than refreshing.

They were encouraging in a world now filled with hate, revenge and vows of retribution.

But while she has graciously forgiven the man who killed her daughter, his foolhardy, reckless actions should never be forgiven.

Sadly, Cocks is just one of thousands of drivers who apparently have no fear of being drug tested.

While moves are now being made to increase penalties for those caught, there is obviously a need to consider other measures to alter attitudes toward the deadly practice. There is no reason why driving under the influence of a drug should not carry the same stigma that drink driving now does.

Once almost a badge of honour, drink drivers are now rightly regarded as social pariahs.

Just like drink driving, the evidence that drug driving is deadly is abundant.

There are virtual libraries of studies and reports available detailing the impact various drugs have on the cognitive abilities and reflexes of users.

And then there is the growing number of sad, gut-wrenching examples in which drivers drugged to the eyeballs have killed themselves or another road user.

Yesterday’s heartbreaking words from devastated mother Megan King should resonate with each and every person who drives after consuming an illicit substance.

If not, there is no doubt many, many more families will be torn apart by the irresponsible actions of those who place little value not just on their own lives, but those of others.

 

The heartfelt words of forgiveness from Jasmine’s mother Megan King were more than refreshing. Picture: AAP/MORGAN SETTE

Let kids enjoy sport

IN what can be a complicated and stressful world, watching kids play sport should be a blessed relief.

Especially when it is children of primary school age playing whatever game has taken their fancy.

The sheer joy young girls and boys take in running around the netball court, the football oval or the soccer pitch is something adults should cherish.

At such a young age, sport, more than winning or losing, is about having fun with your friends. Except when boneheaded, selfish parents decide their particular need to express anger and frustration is more important that their child.

The “ugly parent” syndrome has defaced many a footy field over the years, now it seems the cancer has spread to netball.

A under-13 game in Golden Grove was abandoned at three-quarter time last Friday because two parents decided their pathetic argument was more important than kids having fun.

It’s been said before, but clearly it needs repeating. All children need when they play sport is encouragement.

If that is beyond a person they should either just shut up or not attend.