NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to stay sober behind the wheel. Saturday, April 20, 2024, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use.
Although marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use by adults over the age of 21 in Michigan, one thing remains: impaired driving is illegal and deadly. NHTSA is reminding all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
It doesn’t matter what you call it, if you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. We are asking our community members to use good judgement, obey the law, and make safe choices when driving a vehicle. Your decisions don’t just affect you — they affect everyone on the road.
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. Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.
Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 (or any day) should not drive. If you find yourself drug-impaired and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home or to a safe place. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, take the keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
By working together, we can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe.
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