Law Enforcement on “High” Alert for Impaired Drivers on 420 Day
Law enforcement agencies will be on “high” alert Thursday, which is April 20th, often referred to as 420 Day, a nod to the smoking of marijuana.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau says that while marijuana laws are changing across the country, what hasn’t changed are the legalities behind impaired driving. In Iowa, recreational consumption and possession of cannabis is illegal. On April 20th, 420 Day, there may be an increase in cannabis consumption.
To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the road, the Iowa State Patrol along with local law enforcement agencies which include the Floyd, Howard, and Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Offices and the Cresco Police Department are partnering to remind drivers; drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal.
In Iowa, from 2020-2022, preliminary data shows 36% of impaired driving fatalities involved drug use. Officials say it has been proven marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to stay in their lane.
Those who plan to consume cannabis on ‘420’ (or any day) should not drive. If you find yourself drug-impaired and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive high, take the keys and help them get home safely.
