Pubdate: Sun, 22 Jun 2014
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2014 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Shannen Kuest, Skagit Valley Herald
Page: B6
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)

AD CAMPAIGN TARGETS MARIJUANA DUIS

Drive High, Get a DUI

Pot May Be Legal, Driving Under Influence Isn't

MOUNT VERNON - With marijuana retail stores set to open in early 
July, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) wants to make 
it clear that while marijuana use may be legal, driving under its 
influence is not.

To remind people that driving high is illegal, the commission is 
launching an advertising campaign called "Drive High, Get a DUI." The 
30-second television commercials show people attempting common 
activities while high. On-screen text tells viewers that while it is 
legal to do these things under the influence of marijuana, it is 
still not legal to drive under the influence.

The campaign coincides with the kickoff of State Patrol DUI-emphasis 
patrols. Starting July 1, state troopers will have extra patrols out 
on the highways. The campaign and the extra patrols are part of 
Target Zero, a program that strives to end traffic deaths and serious 
injuries in Washington by 2030.

The most common drug found in drug-impaired fatal and serious-injury 
crashes is marijuana, according to a State Patrol marijuana fact sheet.

"If we suspect someone is driving under the influence of marijuana, 
we would apply for a search warrant and have their blood drawn at the 
hospital," said Chad Clark, chief of patrol operations with the 
Skagit County Sheriff's Office.

Initiative 502, approved by voters in 2012, did not provide funding 
for public education before legalization, but WTSC sees this campaign 
as critical to prevent DUIs.

The ad campaign and extra patrols are paid for by the commission. The 
Colorado Department of Transportation produced and aired the 
commercials earlier this year in Colorado, where marijuana has been 
legal for more than five months.

Under Initiative 502, adults age 21 and older in Washington may 
legally posses one ounce or less of marijuana, 16 ounces of a 
marijuana-infused product in solid form and 72 ounces of a 
marijuana-infused product in liquid form. Consuming marijuana in view 
of the general public is still a civil infraction.

A DUI offender serves at least one day in jail and may be fined up to $5,000.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom