“Drive High, Get a DUI”: Don’t take any chances this 4/20; Plan to use a sober driver
Saturday, April 20 marks an unofficial cannabis “celebration,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, is teaming up with local law enforcement to spread the message that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. So don’t drive high, or you’ll get a DUI.”
“Even if you don’t feel impaired after partaking in drug use, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Region 7 Administrator Susan DeCourcy. “Impairment from drug use can sometimes be delayed, or you can be fooled into thinking you’re of sound mind when you’re not. State laws vary within our region, but the one constant is that driving with recreational drugs in your system is illegal everywhere.”
From 2019-2021, NHTSA conducted a study at several trauma centers and medical examiner offices involving drivers who were seriously injured or killed. The study found that about 26% of those drivers had active THC, which is found in marijuana, in their system. Therefore, it’s so important to spread this life-saving message: “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re dead wrong.” It has been proven that marijuana can drastically slow reaction times, impair overall cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to stay in their lane of traffic.
Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 - or any day - should not drive after doing so. Those who find themselves drug-impaired and stranded with their vehicle should give their keys to a sober driver who can safely drive them home, or call a taxi/rideshare. Remind friends to never get in the vehicle with someone who has consumed marijuana or other mind-altering drugs. Those who have a friend who is about to drive while visibly impaired should take the keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone; they’ll be grateful later.
Getting home safely doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. If available, use the local sober ride program, call a taxi or ride-share, or use public transportation. Finally, if seeing an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
Working together saves lives and helps keep roadways safe. Join NHTSA in sharing the lifesaving message, “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different”. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.
