From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY
Wood County Safe Communities reported today that there have been 17 fatal crashes to date, 8 more than at this time last year.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working alongside local law enforcement nationwide during the “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI” high-visibility enforcement period, which runs from Dec. 15, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024. NHTSA and Safe Communities are working tirelessly to spread the word about the dangers of drug-impaired driving and to remind all drivers: If you plan to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober ride home.
Know the Facts
If you’re planning to use marijuana or any impairing drug, do not drive. Designate a sober driver who won’t be using any drugs or call a ridesharing service or taxi. Someone who’s high shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why planning ahead is key.
It doesn’t matter what term you use — high, stoned, or wasted — never get behind the wheel after using an impairing substance.
In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs — no exceptions.
Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.
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.
Financial Impacts
You can get a DUI for driving high, which could set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing, 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.
Only Drive Sober
If you are planning to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober driver to safely get 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 — regardless of whether it was legally obtained.
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.
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. And you might just save a life.
For more information about the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. enforcement period, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drug-impaired-driving/drive-high-get-dui
