Drug-Impaired Driving. Get the Facts: Drug-Impaired Driving | NHTSA
Drunk Driving, Get the Facts: Drunk Driving | Statistics and Resources | NHTSA
This holiday season, Anderson’s Autobody is teaming up again with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to share the message about the dangers of driving while drinking or drugging. We want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive High, Get a DUI. From the last day of school on Friday, December 16, 2022, to New Year's Day 2023, Anderson’s will share social media posts and videos to remind our community that driving while high on marijuana or other illegal drugs is just as dangerous as alcohol.
“It doesn’t matter what term you use — high, stoned, or wasted — never get behind the wheel after using an impairing substance,” said Bob Anderson, Business Owner, Anderson’s Autobody. “If you think driving while high from marijuana won’t affect you, you are wrong. It has been shown that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.”
Sobering Statistics in Idaho
In Idaho, 38 percent of fatal crashes involve drugs or alcohol. On average, 1,500 Idahoans are killed or seriously injured annually in crashes involving an impaired driver. In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs — no exceptions.
What’s more, 56 percent of drivers involved in a serious injury or fatal crash who were tested for drugs - tested positive for at least one, namely marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing prescription or over-the-counter drug. That’s over half of the arrests.
Remind Visitors of Idaho's Severe Penalties for Marijuana Possession
“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want our community to enjoy this season. We need the commitment from all drivers to keep the roads free of buzzed drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday,” said Bob.
"Drug-impaired and drunk driving takes lives, and any form of marijuana possession is illegal. Please talk to your family and friends and keep impaired drivers off the road,” Bob wrapped up. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you even go to a party. No excuses.”
Facts to Share with Your Family and Friends
Personal Cost of Impaired Driving
- If you’re caught driving under the influence of any impairing substance, you can face jail time. Marijuana is illegal for any use in Idaho – whether recreational or medical – with among the most severe consequences in the U.S.
- Personal possession of <3 ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If you’re carrying >3 ounces but <1 pound, it is a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Idaho Code Ann. §§ 37-2732(c)(3), (e) Web Search
- Possession of one pound or more (25 or more plants) is considered trafficking and your vehicle and/or property may be seized.
- On average, a DUI could set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing, and more.
- Drug-impaired driving could cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle –stopping you from getting to school or work, resulting in lost wages and lost education, potentially, job loss.
- The cost of totaling your car is steep. It could cost well over $5,000-15,000 to repair on top of your fines. If you need to replace your car, inflationary prices plus an ongoing global chip shortage have kept used and new vehicles at record-high prices. It could be outside your reach.
Plan Before You Party
- Drug-impaired or drunk driving puts you, your passengers, and other vehicles in a life and death situation.
- Always wear your seat belt—it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
- Plan for a sober driver, if you plan to use alcohol, marijuana, or any other illegal or strong prescription drugs
- Don’t let friends get behind the wheel if they’re under the influence of drugs.
- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol or other substances will be used, it’s your job to make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Take the keys away and arrange for an impaired friend to get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report it to the Ponderay Police at (208) 265-4251, or the Sandpoint Police at: 208-265-1482. Call 9-11 in an emergency.
- Check out Idaho’s Shift Initiative to help reduce crashes on our roads. Go to Shift-Idaho.org for more holiday resources and strategies