Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, which means it is illegal in all 50 States Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers and other road users. 

Between April 20 and April 22,  Dexter Police will join participating law enforcement from Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma in “Driving High? Kiss Your License Goodbye!”— a six-state Drug Impaired Driving enforcement campaign to put an end to drug impaired driving.

Law enforcement officers across the state will patrol approximately 32,318 miles of roadway. By concentrating law enforcement on high traffic corridors, organizers hope to put motorists on guard and encourage sober and safe driving.

Local Impact

“Drug impaired driving is a serious safety issue for drivers and law enforcement on Dexter’s roadways,” said Captain Trevor Pulley. “By intensifying enforcement of drug impaired driving laws, we hope people will think twice before driving while impaired by any drug. It is deadly for the driver, but also for his or her passengers, and for other people on the streets. If you are taking any type of drug, prescription, over-the-counter or illegal, make plans for a sober driver. Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.“

Drug impairment effects on drivers

It is never safe to drive when impaired. This not only means refraining from drunk driving, but also from drug-impaired driving. If you think driving while high won’t affect you, you are wrong; it has been proven that THC – the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects – slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. The bottom line is this: It doesn’t matter what term is used, if a person is high, stoned, wasted or drunk, he or she is impaired. Driving while impaired by any substance is illegal and can be deadly to the driver and other road users. 

“Our goal is to save lives and we’re putting all drivers on alert – Drug impaired driving is against the law. Remember “Driving High? Kiss Your License Goodbye!” said Captain Pulley.

For more information on drug impaired driving, please visit http://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/.