TRANSPORTATION MATTERS for IOWA

Roadside Chat – Drive High – Get OWI


It doesn’t matter what term you use — high, stoned, or wasted. It also doesn’t matter if the substance was legally or illegally obtained. Getting behind the wheel after using any type of substance that can impair you is extremely dangerous. In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs — no exceptions.

8-30-Drive-High-Get-OWIAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here are some ways that substances can impair your ability to drive.

  • Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times.
  • Cocaine and methamphetamine can make drivers more aggressive and reckless.
  • Using two or more drugs at the same time, including alcohol, can amplify the impairing effects of each drug a person has consumed.
  • Some prescription and over-the-counter medicinescan cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. Read and follow all warning labels before driving, and note that warnings against “operating heavy machinery” include driving a vehicle.

With a holiday weekend upon us, the temptation to partake in drugs or alcohol to celebrate may be greater. This weekend, or anytime, if your plans include the possibility of using any substance that impairs you, plan to stay where you are or arrange for a sober driver ahead of time to safely get you to and from your destination.

Remember - if you feel different, you drive different.


In 2024 in Iowa, 209 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 14 since last Friday. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf

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