If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. drug-impaired-driving awareness campaign to help keep impaired drivers off the road. While the end of the year brings about the merriment of the holiday season, we want to make sure Americans are safe on the roads, traveling to and from parties and vacation destinations. If you plan to go out and include drugs in your celebration, make sure you refrain from driving. Review these facts and spread the word about the dangers of drug-impaired driving.
- If you’re planning to use marijuana or other drugs, do not drive. Designate a sober driver who won’t be using marijuana or other drugs, or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who’s affected by drugs shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why planning ahead is key.
- According to NHTSA, between 2009 and 2018, of those drivers killed in crashes and tested for marijuana, the presence of marijuana had nearly doubled.
- In 2018, 46% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs tested positive.
- It doesn’t matter what term you use: If a person is feeling a little high, buzzed, stoned, or wasted, he or she is impaired and should never get behind the wheel.
- In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs — no exceptions.
- Whether the drug is legal or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to the driver, passengers, and other road users.
- If you think driving while high from marijuana won’t affect you, you are wrong: It has been shown that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
- [Local holiday statistic if available.]
The Cost of Impaired Driving
- On average, a DUI could set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
- If you’re caught driving under the influence of any impairing substance, you can face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment.
- Drug-impaired driving could cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could stop you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.
Plan Before You Party
- If you have used an impairing substance such as marijuana, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
- If you plan to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober driver to safely drive you to your destination. Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact Local Law Enforcement (911).
SOURCE: Travelsafetymarketing.gov