April 20, or 4/20, is a “holiday” among marijuana users. Although recreational and medicinal use of marijuana is legal in California, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office wants to remind drivers that it is dangerous and illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana.
“Whether it is on 4/20 or any other day, marijuana consumption puts you at risk of driving impaired,” District Attorney Jeff Reisig said. “Any substance that impairs makes it unsafe to drive.”
The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office regularly prosecutes those who unsafely drive under the influence, regardless of whether the substance is alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana. Every year, the DA’s Office charges and convicts dozens of marijuana DUI offenders. Though the conduct in these cases ranges from drivers weaving across the road, to falling asleep in their running vehicles, to causing serious collisions with property, people, and other vehicles, one thing remains the same: all of these drivers were too impaired to safely drive.
The Yolo County District Attorney’s DUI program, which is recognized statewide, was formed in 2012. It focuses on the prosecution and prevention of DUI cases as well as outreach, and law enforcement training. The program’s goal is to prevent impaired driving and reduce alcohol and drug-impaired traffic fatalities and injuries.
The Deputy District Attorneys that are assigned to the program prosecute the most serious and complex DUI cases, such as those involving injury and death, and those involving drug impairment. Deputy District Attorneys assigned to these cases handle them through all stages of the criminal process, from the time of the arrest through sentencing. They also focused closely on training law enforcement throughout California on DUI investigation. To date, close to 1,400 officers have been reached through DUI training by the Yolo County District Attorney’s OTS grant.
The program has also been very active in community outreach. The team has taken steps to be involved with local high schools, youth programs, UC Davis programs, local Greek organizations, and the Yolo County Citizen’s Academy. During the last three years the OTS program has focused on educating youths on the dangers of DUI especially as it relates to drugs. While marijuana is now legal the program has made it a point to educate that marijuana causes impairment despite 34% of teenagers believing it is safe to drive after smoking marijuana. Since beginning this program the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office has reached nearly every high school in the area with live DUI trials that are conducted in front of the students.
Studies have shown that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can slow reaction times and make it more difficult for drivers to judge distances and keep a steady position in their lane. If you plan to participate in 4/20 activities and consume marijuana, please celebrate responsibly and designate a sober driver to take you home or stay at home. Do not drive, and never ride with an impaired driver.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.
Funding for the District Attorney’s DUI program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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