04/18/2023
Distracted Driving 420 Mobilization from April 18 – 20th , you will see Benton County Sheriff's Office out with extra patrol Deputies keeping our community safe.
Drug-impaired driving has become an increasing danger on our nation’s roads. In recent years, several states have created new laws allowing ma*****na use on a recreational or medical basis, which has made discussing the issue of impaired driving even more important. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants all ma*****na users to know that nationally, it is illegal to use ma*****na and then drive.
On the 20th of April (also known as 4/20 — a date associated with ma*****na use) many ma*****na users will observe a day of increased ma*****na use. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It is dangerous and illegal to drive impaired. Read on for more information about the dangers of drug-impaired driving.
• If you’re planning to use ma*****na or any impairing drug, do not drive. Designate a sober driver who won’t be using any drugs or call a ridesharing service or taxi. Someone who’s high shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why planning ahead is key.
• In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive.
• It doesn’t matter what term you use — high, stoned, or wasted — never get behind the wheel after using an impairing substance.
• In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs — no exceptions.
• Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.
• If you think driving while high from ma*****na won’t affect you, you are wrong: It has been shown that ma*****na can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
Play It Safe
• If you are planning to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober driver to safely drive you to your destination. Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance — regardless of whether it was legally obtained.
• If you use an impairing substance such as ma*****na, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange for a safe ride home. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later. And you might just save a life.
• If available, use your community’s sober ride program
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact Benton County Dispatch at 479-273-5532.
For more information, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drug-impaired-driving/if-you-feel-different-you-drive-different.
