On Wednesday, April 20, there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. With an uncertain history, April 20th (more commonly known as 4/20) has become synonymous with marijuana use and, in some circles, the date is a marijuana “holiday.” To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the roads, the Sandersville Police Department is teaming up with the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to spread the message that drug-impaired driving of any kind is dangerous and illegal. Sandersville Police remind all drivers: “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.”
Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is illegal nationwide. According to the NHTSA, 40,000 arrests were made for marijuana possession last year in Georgia. If a person is feeling a little high, buzzed, stoned, wasted, or whatever the term, he or she should not get behind the wheel. It has been proven that THC can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
“Marijuana impairment is a threat when you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle no matter the day,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department. “We are asking our community members to obey the law and to make safe choices when behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 should have a plan in place and refrain from driving. Here are a few tips to help prepare for a safe night:
– If one has used an impairing substance such as marijuana, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If one thinks a driver may be impaired, do not get in their car.
– If one is drug-impaired, pass the keys to a driver who has not used marijuana and can safely drive to the 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.
– Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them safely home. Do not worry about offending someone because they’ll be thankful later.
– If one sees an impaired driver on the road, contact the Sandersville Police Dispatch at 478-552-3038.
By working together, everyone can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe. Please join Sandersville Police in sharing the lifesaving message, “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.” For more information on impaired driving, visit nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.
