Reminder for our Marijuana Enthusiasts Celebrating 4/20 Today, Driving High is Illegal. 
Drug-impaired driving has become an increasing danger on our nation’s roads. In recent years, several states have created new laws allowing marijuana use on a recreational or medical basis, which has made discussing the issue of impaired driving even more important. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants all marijuana users to know that nationally, it is illegal to use marijuana and then drive.
Today, 4/20 (a date now associated with marijuana use) many marijuana users will observe a day of increased use. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. IT IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE IMPAIRED.
· 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.
· In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive.
· 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.
Don't drive impaired on 4/20 or any day! It's always a sticky situation.
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As a side note, the DEA annual Drug Take Back event will happen this Saturday, April 22nd from 10-2pm at the San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112. Bring unused or expired pills & patches to dispose of in an appropriate way. No liquids please.
By disposing of your old or expired medications you are keeping it out of our environment and out of the hands of those who may abuse them; potentially preventing impaired driving.
San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112
229 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo
Saturday, April 22, 2023
10am-2pm
Address/Location
San Mateo, CA Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy
San Mateo, CA 94403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 650-522-7700
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP SANMATEOPD followed by your message, to 888777
