4/20 – Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association urges sober driving

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association is sharing important safe driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 4/20. 

Thursday, April 20, marks an unofficial marijuana holiday, which will likely result in an increase in marijuana use and potentially an increase in people driving while under the influence of marijuana. Marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

“Driving under the influence of any substance can result in tragic consequences,” said Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association Executive Director Sid Wordell. “We urge our community members to use good judgment, obey the law and make safe choices when behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with all New England States to spread the message that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal.

According to the NHTSA, In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive. Additionally, from 2016-2020 on dates around April 20, there were 29 traffic fatalities involving cannabinoids in New England.

Reminders for Safe Driving

Pass the keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you to your final destination. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.Take the keys away from a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs, and arrange to get them home safely. Always wear your seat belt—it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.Use your community’s sober ride program or rideshare options.If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement.Never use a cell phone or other device that takes your eyes off the road”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,'”said Executive Director Wordell. 

For more information on impaired driving, please visit nhsta.gov.