April 20th has become a celebrated holiday among cannabis consumers. While some may be headed to the return of the Mile High 420 Festival in Denver, CDOT and AAA are asking people to plan ahead.
According to local statistics, there has been a 44% increase in fatalities involving impaired drivers in Colorado since 2019. CDOT and AAA state in a news release that alcohol remains the number one cause of impairment, however, “marijuana impairment and marijuana in combination with alcohol impairment are significant contributors,” the release states.
The festival in Denver, while not the only celebration spot of the day, is expected to attract more than 50,000 people.
CDOT and AAA are asking people to plan their transportation needs ahead of the celebration. The two organizations encourage people to consider leaving their car at home and using public transit or rideshare options.
Officials also encourage people to understand the risk of poly-consumption and THC impairment. Poly-consumption is the mixing of THC and alcohol which can “significantly increase impairment,” the news release states. THC can slow a person’s reaction time which increases the risk of a car crash if driving under the influence.
In 2021, 691 lives were lost in Colorado to impaired driving, according to CDOT data. These local organizations, among others, are asking that people celebrating 420 enjoy the day, but not become part of this statistic.
