NEWINGTON, Conn — For cannabis lovers, 4/20 is the equivalent of Christmas, but the Connecticut Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies sternly reminded residents on Friday that impaired driving is deadly and illegal.
In a release from CTDOT a day ahead of the marijuana holiday, the agency urged the public to consider that driving impaired is dangerous.
As April 20 is recognized around the world as a day to use and celebrate cannabis, it is important to stress that those under the influence of THC should never get behind the wheel and drive.
CTDOT stressed to all drivers that driving high equals a DUI. Given that April 20 falls on a Saturday this year, the agency acknowledges there could be more impaired drivers on the roadways.
Connecticut’s drugged driving law does not depend on a specific level of THC, the substance most responsible for the effects of cannabis, in a driver’s blood, according to CTDOT. State law states that a person operating a vehicle commits the crime of DUI “while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or both.”
According to CTDOT, there were 2,920 impaired driving crashes in Connecticut in 2022, as determined by the Crash Data Repository.
“It’s simple: don’t drive while impaired regardless of the substance. It was dangerous and against the law prior to the legalization of recreational cannabis, and it’s dangerous and against the law today,” said Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the state’s Department of Transportation.
Eucalitto encourages residents to have a plan if they are going to partake in cannabis. It is a critical part of keeping the roads safe, especially on 4/20.
Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman reaffirmed that although cannabis use is legal, it’s still illegal to use cannabis while operating a motor vehicle.
“Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or narcotics put themselves and everyone on our roadways at risk of injury or death,” Loughman said. “Driving high isn’t just impaired judgement; it’s impaired responsibility. Be our partners and call 911 immediately if you suspect someone may be operating a motor vehicle under the influence.”
Chief Joshua Bernegger of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association said that if you drive high, you should expect a DUI.
“Operating a vehicle while impaired by cannabis or any other drug is equally illegal and as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol,” Bernegger said.
CTDOT listed several safety tips it encourages the public to remember. The agency asked the public to spread the word to friends, family and colleagues.
First, if you have used an impairing substance such as cannabis, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver, and one should not get in the car if they think a driver may be impaired.
Secondly, if you plan to use drugs, arrange for a sober driver to take you to your destination safely. Like drunk driving, individuals under the influence of cannabis must refrain from driving a vehicle, as it is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.
Third, even over the counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Take caution before using any medication.
Lastly, if you see an impaired driver on the road, dial 911 to contact law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
In Connecticut, recreational cannabis sales are legal for residents over 21, but one must remember that 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.
A police officer can test an operator based on the odor of cannabis if, at the time, they reasonably suspect the driver is under the influence of the drug.
To learn more about the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhtsa.gov. For information and resources related to responsible cannabis use, as well as addiction prevention, one can visit ct.gov/cannabis.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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