Two local agencies are watching the roadways closely for impaired drivers over the next few days. In some circles April 20th, or 4/20 has become synonymous with marijuana use and is considered a marijuana holiday. In order to keep drug-impaired drivers off the road the Henry and Louisa County Sheriff’s Offices are partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau to remind motorists that drug-impaired driving of any kind is dangerous and illegal. The two agencies will be providing extra enforcement to combat impaired driving.

According to the NHTSA, in 2018 46% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive. It has been proven that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, slows reaction time, impairs cognitive performance and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

For those who plan to use marijuana, it is advised that you not drive, or ride with an impaired driver and find a designated sober driver. Besides being illegal for non-prescriptive use in Iowa, penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana include but are not limited to the same types of operating while intoxicated laws as alcohol.