MYNORTHWEST NEWS

New ad campaign targets people driving while high

Apr 30, 2019, 4:08 PM

A new campaign to deter driving while high was launched Tuesday morning. It comes on the heels of the latest enforcement by Washington State Patrol.

Troopers say driving while high on Washington roads and highways is on the rise since marijuana was legalized in the state.

The ad campaign by the Ad council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched with a simple slogan, “If you feel different, you drive different.”

The NHTSA said researchers looked at weekends over a six-year period and found a 48 percent increase in people driving after using drugs.

Legalizing recreational use of marijuana in Colorado, Washington and Oregon has not been good for highway safety,” said Matt Moore with the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Recently, the State Patrol said during its enforcement on April 20, or 420, the unofficial holiday to celebrate cannabis use, the agency said they had drug experts able to examine drivers to determine if they were indeed driving under the influence.

The ad campaign now launches alongside such efforts to curb drug use and driving.

 

MyNorthwest News

closures (1)...

Nate Connors

Seattle highway closures, southbound I-405 shutdown in Bothell mean weekend detours

Drivers traveling through Seattle and Bothell should plan for highway and ramp closures.

21 hours ago

2 Tom Wales...

James Lynch

25 years after federal prosecutor Tom Wales’ killing, investigators say the case is still active

For 25 years, investigators have been pursuing the killing of Tom Wales, an assistant U.S. Attorney shot at his desk in his home in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Federal officials said they are still investigating and need information that could turn what they know into evidence they can present in court. “This is an open […]

22 hours ago

ferry (2)...

James Lynch

‘Not a problem that can be solved immediately’: Gov. Ferguson pledges to address ferry crew wage gaps

Gov. Ferguson said he’s committed to working with the union representing Washington State Ferries engine-room crews on wage gap concerns.

23 hours ago

Museum of History & Industry...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Museum of History & Industry workers vote to unionize

Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) workers have voted to unionize.

23 hours ago

flu (1)...

KIRO Newsradio staff

‘It could be a rough flu season’: Snohomish County reports first flu-related death this season

Snohomish County is reporting its first flu-related death of the season.

1 day ago

delivery driver monroe shot...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Delivery driver shot at through apartment door in Monroe

The Monroe Police Department said someone shot through an apartment door while a delivery driver was outside.

1 day ago

New ad campaign targets people driving while high