By Trish Svoboda

Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs can pose risks equivalent to drunk driving. This is the message that the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Drive To Zero Coalition want to share through their “If You Feel Different You Drive Different” safety campaign.

April 20, commonly known as 420 in cannabis culture, is often celebrated as a “marijuana holiday,” leading to an increased likelihood of drug-impaired driving. To enhance road safety, law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas will increase their enforcement efforts from April 18 to April 22.

Preliminary data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for 2023 indicates that drug-involved crashes in Kansas resulted in the death of 59 individuals last year. In addition, drug-related accidents resulted in reported injuries for another 265 individuals.

KDOT and the DTZ Coalition share these tips to help keep motorists safe and prevent drug-related accidents:

· Never travel with a driver who is under the influence.

· If you’ve consumed a substance that affects your ability to drive, surrender your keys to a sober driver, or call a rideshare service or taxi.

· If someone is impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home.

· If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact authorities.