Dangers of Marijuana-Impaired Driving NA19052ml

Auto Club and LAPD Will Remind Drivers About the Dangers of Marijuana-Impaired Driving

WHAT: Media Availability

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2019 5 AM to 10 AM

WHERE: Auto Club of Southern California – Los Angeles Headquarters 2601 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90007

WHO: Los Angeles Police Department Drug Recognition Expert Jayson Siller Auto Club Corporate Communications & Programs Manager Doug Shupe

WHY: According to LAPD, during the first six months after recreational marijuana became legal in California on January 1, 2018, DUI-drug arrests increased approximately 32% in the city of Los Angeles. To remind all drivers about the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving, specially trained LAPD Drug Recognition Experts will demonstrate how they recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to alcohol.

Marijuana, like any impairing substance, negatively affects skills required for safe driving including:

• Slowed reaction time and coordination • Distorted perception and attention • Diminished ability to track many moving parts at once • Increased reaction time and lane deviation

LAPD and the Auto Club will remind drivers about the financial and life-altering consequences of drugged driving on 4/20 and every day of the year.

CONTACT: Auto Club’s Doug Shupe, (512) 659-1632

VISUALS: A DUI & Marijuana-impaired driving crash car, B-roll of marijuana-impaired drivers, and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) kit demonstrations.