The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched another campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of THC. The campaign emphasizes that THC consumption impairs driving abilities in ways that are different but equally hazardous as alcohol. It highlights that THC can slow reaction times, reduce focus, and weaken problem-solving skills, doubling the chances of a crash and increasing the likelihood of receiving a DUI. The campaign stresses the high costs associated with DUIs, which average $13,500 for both alcohol and drugs.

To dispel common misconceptions about driving while high, the campaign features several YouTube videos addressing prevalent myths. For instance, the video titled “Myth 1: Police can’t tell when I drive high” clarifies that police are trained to recognize impairment and that driving impaired can lead to a DUI. Another video, “Myth 2: I drive better when I’m high,” counters the belief that cannabis enhances driving abilities by emphasizing that it impairs reaction time, decision-making, and motor coordination.

The campaign also tackles other myths such as “I drove here, so I have to drive home,” suggesting that planning ahead can prevent the need to drive high. Similarly, “Myth 4: I can smoke and drink a little and be fine” and “Myth 5: I have a high tolerance, so I’m OK to drive” underline that mixing substances or relying on tolerance levels does not mitigate the risks associated with driving high. CDOT’s “Meet the Effects” campaign aims to educate the public on the legal and safety hazards of driving under the influence of THC, promoting safer choices and reducing impaired driving incidents.

Learn more from CDOT (USA, 2024)