CHP Distributes $19 Million to Fight Impaired Driving

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release announcing the distribution of more than $19 million in grant funding to fight impaired driving across the state. According to the CHP, They’re distributing the funding to 71 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories and nonprofit organizations to help address the problems associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs.  

Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act Grant Funding  

The grant funding is part of Proposition 64, which is the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The CHP has been tasked  with administering grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs associated with drugged driving. In addition to the educational and prevention efforts, there is also funding for crime laboratories for forensic toxicology testing. Those grants specifically are funded from a tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California.  

Cracking Down on Drunk and Drugged Driving in California  

In addition to traditional increased enforcement methods to crack down on drunk and drugged driving, funding is also being used for drug recognition evaluator training to help enhance the agencys’ abilities to detect drug-impaired drivers. There were fifty-four recipients of those law enforcement grants throughout the State of California.  

Public Awareness Campaigns About Impaired Driving  

There will also be funding for various public outreach campaigns, like educational presentations and community events. The goal is to really get the word out about the dangers associated with impaired driving. While many people are well aware of the dangers and costs associated with drunk driving, more education is needed regarding drugged driving.  

If You Feel Different, You Drive Different 

It’s not just alcohol and illegal drugs that are illegal behind the wheel. Legally prescribed marijuana and other prescription meds are also dangerous to mix with driving. Even certain over-the-counter medications aren’t safe for drivers to take. Anything that makes you feel different, makes you drive different. Medications that cause drowsiness or that impair cognition should never be taken prior to or while driving an automobile.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving or drugged driving accident in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.