AAA and The LAPD Remind Drivers of The Dangers of Marijuana-Impaired Driving

What:
Press Conference where the Automobile Club of Southern California and the Los Angeles Police Department will remind drivers of the financial and life-altering consequences as well as the dangers of driving under the influence of Marijuana.

Who:
Los Angeles Police Department Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Sergeant Greg Fuqua
Automobile Club Corporate Communications & Programs Manager Doug Shupe

When:
Monday
April 19, 2021
10:00 a.m.

Where:
Los Angeles Police Academy – Elysian Park
1880 Academy Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Why:
Over the last year, there were 168 crashes as a result of drugged driving which resulted in three deaths and 45 injuries. Those crashes involved all types of drugs, including marijuana. LAPD officers also made 915 drugged driving arrests within the last year and 79 percent of those arrests involved cannabis. A new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study finds people who use both alcohol and marijuana are some of the most dangerous drivers on the road because they are more likely to speed, text, run red lights, and drive aggressively.

To remind all drivers about the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving, specially-trained LAPD Drug Recognition Experts will demonstrate how they detect impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. Marijuana, like any impairing substance, negatively affects the 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

Visual aids (footage of marijuana-impaired drivers and DRE training), DRE kit demonstrations, and a AAA marijuana Public Service Announcement will also be presented.

*All COVID-19 protocols will be followed. All attendees must wear a mask and observe social distance.

Contact:
For more information or questions regarding this event contact Auto Club’s Doug Shupe at 512-659-1632.