From August 15 through September 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside local law enforcement for the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. high-visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to help prevent drug-impaired driving, to save lives, and to prevent serious injury. NHTSA is urging drivers to refrain from driving impaired. In all 50 states, it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance.
Violating New Jersey’s drug-impaired driving laws can be costly.
Many people believe that being high doesn’t affect driving abilities, but they are 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 drugs should not drive. Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been using drugs and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots an impaired driver, contact local law enforcement.
For more information on impaired driving, visit
www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.