2023 HALLOWEEN IF YOU FEEL DIFFERENT, YOU DRIVE DIFFERENT.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2023

CONTACT: Lt. Kyle Wiford, 620-421-7060, kwiford@parsonspd.com

High, Stoned, or Wasted: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Play It Safe This Halloween: Make a Plan, Don't Drive Impaired

Parsons, KS - This year, Halloween falls on a Wednesday, but that won't stop thousands around the country from celebrating seasonal festivities the weekend before, after, and the night of. To keep drivers and pedestrians safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Parsons Police Department are teaming up to urge drivers to make a plan before heading out to celebrate. If you are under the influence of any drug, whether legally or illegally obtained, and you choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put everyone in danger, including yourself. Help us spread this lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

"Heading out to a Halloween party? Every partygoer should plan their sober ride home in advance," said Lt. Kyle Wiford "If you plan to use an impairing substance, you should plan for a sober ride home. Before you ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle, remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different." And if you're a designated driver, stick to the plan: don't use drugs (legally or illegally obtained).

Violating Kansas's drug-impaired driving laws can be costly. 8-1567. Driving under the influence can result in your arrest, loss of driving privileges and a fine up to $1,500 dollars or more.

It doesn't matter what term you use: If a person is feeling a little high, stoned, or wasted, he or she should not get behind the wheel. And, if you think being high won't affect your driving, you're wrong. 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.

Those who plan to use drugs should not drive. Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Take caution before driving after using any medication. If you find yourself drug-impaired and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while drug impaired, take the keys away and help them get home safely. Don't worry about offending someone - you could save a life. If you're a designated driver, stick to the plan: don't use drugs (legally or illegally obtained).

There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, use your community's sober ride program. If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact Parsons Police Department, 620-421-7060.

By working together, we can save lives and help keep America's roadways safe. Please join NHTSA 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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