This Saturday marks an unofficial cannabis “celebration,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. Don’t drive high, or you’ll get a DUI

This Saturday 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. 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 we 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 Saturday—or any day—should not drive after doing so. If you find yourself drug-impaired and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home, or call a taxi/rideshare. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with someone who has consumed marijuana or other mind-altering drugs. If you have a friend who is about to drive while visibly impaired, take the keys away and help them get home safely.