WRENTHAM — State trooper Pete Pollard goes into faculties all through the state and helps college students be taught the hazards of driving underneath the affect of marijuana.
For his work, Pollard was acknowledged earlier this month as a “Traffic Safety Hero,” by AAA Northeast.
“We’re making an attempt to get optimistic interactions with the youngsters,” stated Pollard, 42, a six-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police. “I do not need the primary time I meet you to be the worst day of your life.”
Pollard works with Joanna Frageorgia, of AAA Northeast, to current the company’s group outreach program referred to as “Shifting Gears: The Blunt Reality about Marijuana and Driving.” They’ve collectively introduced this system to college students, usually highschool juniors, for the previous three years.
The pair focus on the state’s legal guidelines relating to driving underneath the affect of marijuana, the position of drug recognition consultants and the way police reply to crashes.
Pollard was additionally featured in a AAA Northeast video utilized by the state Registry of Motor Vehicles in regards to the legal guidelines relating to impaired driving.
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“What we attempt to do just isn’t demonize THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the key psychoactive part acknowledged in hashish),” stated Pollard. “Not everybody who does THC is unhealthy, however driving underneath the affect of THC is unacceptable — socially, morally and legally. That is one of many issues we attempt to drive residence. We attempt to present them what it does to your motor expertise, each quick and long run, and what it does to your physique.”
Together with the AAA program, Pollard — who describes himself as a site visitors legislation nerd — additionally develops curriculum for the Massachusetts Police Coaching Council.
He stated he was happy for the award, not as a result of he acquired it, however as a result of it shines a optimistic gentle on the Massachusetts State Police.
“It is good anytime that legislation enforcement is proven in a optimistic gentle,” stated Pollard. “It is motivating to me.”
Norman Miller will be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public security information, comply with him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Fb at fb.com/NormanMillerCrime.
