Full Notification

Today is Tuesday, which is Halloween, but that won’t stop thousands around the country from celebrating seasonal festivities tonight. To keep drivers and pedestrians safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Emeryville 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 Chief Jennings. “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 California’s drug-impaired driving laws can be costly.

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 you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact the Emeryville Police Department.

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.