The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up its presence Wednesday as deputies will be on the lookout for drug-impaired drivers.
The increased presence comes on what is widely considered the nation’s “marijuana holiday” 4/20. The sheriff’s office is teaming up with the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to keep impaired drivers off the roadway and to remind residents that “if you feel different you drive different.”
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch says many individuals believe that driving under the influence of marijuana is not the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. He says that could not be further from the truth.
Koelsch says the Sheriff’s Office does not condone any form of marijuana use, however, they understand it will happen. As such, he says if individuals are planning to “commemorate” 4/20 they need to have a plan in place to make sure they get home safely.
Drivers who may be utilizing marijuana are encouraged to take the following precautions to ensure they do not harm themselves or anyone else:
*If you have used marijuana do not get behind the wheel. Also, do not get into the car with a drug-impaired driver.
*Just like when consuming alcohol, have a designated driver who will not be partaking in any substances. *Do not allow friends who may be impaired to drive.
*If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact Lyon County Communications Center at 620-343-4225.
Those who are found to be driving under the influence could face fines of up to $2,500, a year of imprisonment and revocation of their driver’s license depending on their number of offenses.
