Colorado Department of Transportation is starting an awareness campaign about driving while high on drugs. It's called "Dangerous Combinations" and uses videos and striking visuals to send a message that driving while high is dangerous and illegal.
CDOT also is working with dispensaries statewide to place educational posters and rolling papers right where usesrs buy their marijuana. CDOT reports that in a survey it conducted last year, 55 percent of self-reported marijuana users drove high an average seven days a month. And according to the Colorado State Patrol, nearly one out of five DUIs so far this year in Colorado involved marijuana.
"CDOT wants marijuana users to understand that driving high has the same implications as driving drunk," said Sam Cole, safety communications manager for CDOT. "Driving high impairs your reaction time and vision, both of which are vital to driving safely."
CDOT will hold a mock slow speed chase on May 21 at the re-scheduled 420 rally in Denver. The lead car will be decorated with a marijuana leaf motif, while the second vehicle resembles a police car. Both will have safety messaging about marijuana use. CDOT urges marijuana users to arrange safe transportation any time they chose to consume.
Images of the slow speed chase and other campaign visuals are at bit.ly/druggeddriving2016.
This campaign is part of CDOT's larger Drive High, Get a DUI campaign to reduce the number of drug related DUIs, traffic crashes, and fatalities in Colorado. More information is at DriveHighDUI.com.
