Red Ribbons
Highlight
DRUG DANGERS
Sacramento, California, October 21st
___ As the largest and oldest drug prevention campaign in the United States. California Highway Patrol participates with
Red Ribbon Week
provides an ideal opportunity to focus on the dangers of drug abuse.
The California
Highway Patrol (CHP) supports Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, because drug-impaired drivers can
be as deadly as drunk drivers can. Throughout the week, CHP officers will be
participating in various Red Ribbon Weekevents
statewide. Many of these events will be held at schools, providing officers the
opportunity to share their experiences with students on how drugs can destroy a
person’s life.
“Drugged driving is a public health concern that
puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers and others who share the
road,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Motor
vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among young people. When
their lack of experience is combined with marijuana or any other drug - legal
or illegal - the results can be tragic.”
The Red Ribbon Campaign
is sponsored by the National Family
Partnership, which encourages everyone to display a red ribbon throughout
October to help promote drug-free communities and homes.
The campaign was initiated in 1985 following the
brutal murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique
Camarena in Mexico. Camarena, who had been a police officer in southern
California prior to becoming an agent in 1974, joined the DEA because he wanted
to “make a difference” in the fight against drugs.
Today, the Red Ribbon Campaign
serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage
participation in drug prevention activities. Since its inception, the campaign
has reached millions of U.S. children and families.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.