Thrive encourages safe driving on 4/20

LEE COUNTY - Ahead of April 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, SAFE Coalition, Thrive Fort Madison Coalition, and The Best You Coalition are reminding drivers that it’s illegal in every state and territory to drive under the influence of drugs. On “420” — a number associated with marijuana — some might observe a day of increased marijuana use. But, no matter the day, the message is the same: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
Driving while impaired by any substance — legal or illegal — puts you and others in harm’s way. It’s a common and dangerous misconception that people drive better when they are high. Driving high has serious and deadly consequences.
A NHTSA study, from 2019-2021, showed that 26% of drivers seriously injured or killed in crashes tested positive for marijuana.

If someone sees a friend who is about to drive high, they should take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. And, if anyone spots an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement by calling 911. Drugs, including marijuana, affect driving abilities, which puts everyone on the road at risk. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. These are all unsafe driving behaviors that can cause serious injuries or death in a crash.
A key to preventing impaired driving is to plan ahead. Designating a sober driver — that’s someone who won’t be drinking or using drugs — is one option. Other options include having someone willing to come and pick you up, ready.
Join NHTSA in sharing the lifesaving message, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. For more information on drug-impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving. You may also contact one of the coalitions at: SAFE Coalition 319-293-2579 or safe.coalition@vbcwarriors.org, Thrive Fort Madison Coalition 319-293-2579 or thrivefortmadisoncoalition@gmail.com, or The Best You Coalition 319-524-6724 or thebestyoucoalition@gmail.com.