Baxter County Sheriff says ‘Drive high, expect a DWI' ahead of 4-20
BAXTER COUNTY, Ark. — The Baxter County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) warns drivers that deputies will be focusing on detecting and apprehending impaired drivers this weekend.
Along with other local law enforcement agencies, BCSO will be participating in the 'National 420 Mobilization' initiative, which takes place Apr. 18-20, in an effort to combat impaired drivers.
Driving under the influence of marijuana, or any other drug, is an illegal and life-threatening behavior.
'Ahead of marijuana culture's high holiday, 420, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges individuals to plan to drive fully sober or to get a sober ride home. Drivers are responsible for keeping themselves and other road users safe at all times, and that includes on 420,' said BCSO's press release.
NHTSA reminds drivers that if 'you feel different, you drive different.'
According to BCSO, in past years, many drivers killed in crashes who were tested for drugs had positive results. In 2019, specifically, 49% of these drivers tested positive for drugs.
'It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane, all unsafe driving behavior that can cause serious injuries or death in a crash,' said BCSO.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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