Don’t Take Chances on 4/20: Plan for a Sober Driver

From the Police Department
If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country. One thing that hasn’t changed is the legalities behind impaired driving. Thursday, April 20, 2023, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the roads, the Franklin Lakes Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spread the message that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

“High, stoned, or wasted: It doesn’t matter what term you use, if you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Captain Mark McCombs. “We are asking our community members to use good judgement, obey the law, and make safe choices when behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive. This is why it’s so important we spread this lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. 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.

Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 (or any day) should have a plan in place and not drive.

Thanks to technology and community messaging, there are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely.

Here are a few tips to help prepare for a safe night.

• If you have used an impairing substance such as marijuana, 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.
• If you are drug-impaired, pass the keys to a driver who has not used marijuana and can 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.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, Dial 911 to call your local Police Department.

“By working together, we can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. Please join us in sharing the lifesaving message, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.