CT DOT, State Cops Send Out Warning On Driving High ... Even On 4/20

NEWINGTON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation and state police Wednesday sent out a warning to motorists.

Don't even thing about driving high ... even on 4/20.

DOT officials Wednesday said they are joining State and local law enforcement agencies to "remind the public about the dangers of driving impaired." April 20 is often recognized as an "unofficial cannabis celebration," DOT officials said.

This year, Connecticut and its neighboring states of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont are coming together to spread the message that "drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal." The campaign, dubbed "#DriveSafelyNewEngland," was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Those who plan to use cannabis on 4/20 — or any day — should not drive. It’s just not true when someone says they drive better high. Cannabis slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult to stay in the lane," Connecticut DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. "We need people to use good judgment and make safe choices behind the wheel. We also need them to be good friends, take away the keys from someone about to drive impaired, and arrange a safe ride home. Don't worry about offending anyone. You might save a life."

Every state trooper has "seen the results of drivers operating vehicles while impaired.=," the state top cop said.

"Those results can be tragic," Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Col. Stavros Mellekas said. "Incidents of driving while impaired are completely preventable, so we ask all residents always to designate a sober driver or call for a ride share. Be our partners in safety: Having a difficult conversation with an impaired friend or loved one who should not be behind the wheel may be the one thing that prevents a tragedy."

Adults 21 and older who choose to consume cannabis should do so responsibly, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said. "Do not operate a vehicle under the influence of cannabis or alcohol. We also remind consumers to store cannabis products in original packaging, out of sight and out of reach of children and pets, keep a list of all cannabis products in your home, and safely dispose of unused cannabis to avoid accidental ingestion."

Officials offered several safety tips:

• If you have used an impairing substance such as cannabis, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. Do not get in the car if you think a driver may be impaired.
• If you are planning to use drugs, arrange for a sober driver to drive you safely to your destination. Like drunk driving, drug-impaired drivers must refrain from driving a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.
• Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Take caution before driving after using any medication.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement by dialing 911 when it is safe to do so.

Earlier this year, recreational cannabis sales became legal in Connecticut for adults 21 and up. Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis is illegal and carries the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug." officioals said. Police officers can test an operator based on the odor of cannabis if, at the time, they reasonably suspect the operator is under the influence of the same, officials said.