Although its origins are uncertain, April 20th (more commonly known as 4/20) has become synonymous with marijuana use and, in some circles, the date is a marijuana "holiday." On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 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) is teaming up with the Parsons Police Department to spread the message that drug-impaired driving of any kind is dangerous and illegal. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

Just like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is illegal nationally. 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. This is why it's so important we spread this lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It doesn't matter what term you use: If a person is feeling a little high, buzzed, stoned, wasted, or drunk, he or she should not get behind the wheel. Think driving while high won't affect you? You're wrong. 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.

If you're a designated driver, stick to the plan: don't use drugs. For all drivers, your best defense against impaired drivers on the road is your seat belt. Wear it on every trip, and make sure your passengers do, too.

"It doesn't matter what the day is, any impairment is a threat when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle," said Corporal Jordan Tomlinson. "We are asking our community members to obey the law and to make safe choices when behind the wheel of a vehicle."

Options to Get Home Safely

If you're planning to use marijuana on 4/20, have a plan in place: don't drive. If you leave your house unprepared to get home safely, you may not make the best choice of how to get home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.

•     If you have ingested 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 are drug-impaired, pass the keys to a sober driver who can 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 the Parsons Police Department.

"The Parsons Police Department is dedicated to protecting our streets from impaired drivers," according to Police Chief Robert Spinks. "We are going to be out in the streets looking for the drug or alcohol impaired driver. I want all users of our roadway to be safe and want to remind potential illegal drivers that this is not just a gamble of legality but a gamble of life. If you know of an impaired driver or witness erratic driving 'See It, Hear It, Report It' at 911 or (620) 421-7060."

By working together, we can save lives and help keep America's roadways safe. Please join us in sharing the lifesaving message, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. For more information on impaired driving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.

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