Law enforcement on high alert in anticipation for marijuana holiday

April 20th, or 4–20, is coming up this weekend.

It’s a day commonly referred to as a marijuana holiday.

Law enforcement agencies are reminding people, be smart before you get behind the wheel.

In Nebraska, local law enforcement agencies are warning people: do not get behind the wheel while high.

“This weekend, as we do every week, troopers and our law enforcement partners around the state will be patrolling the roads, looking for these impaired drivers,” said Col. John Bolduc, with the Nebraska State Patrol.

In 2017, 20 % of fatal accidents in Nebraska involved someone under the influence of drugs.

That percentage amounts to 46 deaths.

“46 people in 2017 that are not with us because somebody made the choice to get behind the wheel when they were impaired,” said Nebraska Department of Transportation director Kyle Schneweis.

Alcohol marijuana and prescription drug abuse are the most commonly seen cases by law enforcement.

During this special weekend of enforcement, all 8 of the cities Drug Recognition Officers will be on call.

If an officer notices signs of intoxication, but the driver doesn’t have a high blood alcohol content, that’s when they know something else may be the problem. A drug recognition expert will then be called.

“We’re looking at their pulse, their blood pressure. We’re looking at their pupil sizes, how their pupils react to light,” said Sara Genoways, a drug recognition officer for Lincoln Police.

Law enforcement officials say past public awareness campaigns in the past have made a difference.

“The messaging that has been part of “you drink, you drive, you lose,” it has made an impact. Ride sharing, taxi cabs, they continue to make an impact,” said Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister.

Officials say a lot of people who get caught while driving high claim that marijuana doesn’t make them drive poorly.

Studies have showed that it does impact cognitive functioning.

“Just like we assume that there are going to be more people driving under the influence of alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, we’re going to assume that some people make the choice to drive after ingesting something like marijuana this weekend. So we want our drug recognition officer’s to be available for that,” said Genoways.

The hope is that awareness can be raised so that everyone can help hold others accountable.

If you find yourself impaired, use ride sharing apps, or ask a friend to drive you home.