FARGO, N.D. (NDDOT) – Driving under the influence of cannabis or other mind-altering substances is dangerous and illegal. April 20 (4/20) is a popular day among marijuana users to get high.

While there are many theories as to why 4/20 has become a counterculture celebration, Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) agree: don’t drive high.

The perception that marijuana will not adversely affect your driving ability is a myth. It has been proven that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. It’s important to remember if you feel different, you drive different. Driving while impaired by any substance is illegal and can be deadly to the driver, passengers and other road users.

DREs warn if you choose to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, law enforcement will remove you from the road.

“There is this misconception that if you smoke marijuana and drive high, you’re not going to get arrested. Marijuana is just as impairing as alcohol,” said Caleb Korb DRE from the Fargo Police Department. “You lose your reasoning and ability to control the vehicle. People say they feel more relaxed when they drive high, but it makes you a careless driver.”

Learn more about the Vision Zero strategy and its traffic safety campaigns at VisionZero.ND.gov.

Visit the North Dakota Crash Memorial Wall to view memorials built on the hope of preventing another death on North Dakota roads.