Orland Park Police Department and NHTSA Caution Drivers: Drive High, Get a DUI (Orland Park, IL) — This Independence Day, Orland Park Police and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are urging drivers to refrain from driving impaired. In all 50 states, it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, including drugs. Law enforcement in Orland Park are participating in the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. campaign to help prevent drug-impaired driving, and to arrest impaired drivers caught out on the roads.

“Laws regarding drug use, especially marijuana, are often changing across the country, but one thing remains unchanged: Impaired driving is illegal,” said Orland Park Police Sergeant Bill Sanchez. “Not only is it illegal, it’s dangerous. Driving impaired by any substance can put you and others at risk. If we find that a driver is impaired, we will arrest you, and that DUI will surely put a damper on your Independence Day.”

Violating Illinois drug-impaired driving laws can be costly as well.

If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. 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.

Those who plan to use drugs should not drive. Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Take caution before driving after using any medication. If you find yourself drug-impaired and with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while drug impaired, take the keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — you might be saving their life, or someone else’s.

If you’re a designated driver, stick to the plan: don’t use drugs (legally or illegally obtained). For all drivers, your best defense against impaired drivers on the road is your seat belt. Wear it on every trip, and make sure your passengers do, too.

There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1

By working together, we can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe. Please join NHTSA in sharing the lifesaving message, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. For more information on impaired driving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.

Orland Park Police Department and NHTSA Caution Drivers: Drive High, Get a DUI

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