MA: Impaired driving campaign blends education, enforcement
By Chris Lisinski / State House News Service
December 16, 2019
BOSTON — State public safety officials are urging motorists not to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs this holiday season in a campaign that also aims to generate new momentum for the Baker administration’s impaired driving legislation.
Through Jan. 1, 2020, the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security will purchase televised advertisements, gas station TV spots and posters for bars and restaurants warning about the dangers of impaired driving, focusing on marijuana as legal recreational sales of the substance continue to increase.
The $220,600 “Wisdom” campaign specifically targets men between the ages of 21 and 39, who are the most likely to cause crashes while driving impaired, according to organizers of the new campaign.
“Our education campaign dispels the myth that you are a better driver if you’re under the influence of cannabis,” Public Safety Secretary Thomas Turco said. “Impairment by any substance makes you a danger behind the wheel. We trust that the majority of people using cannabis and alcohol will do so responsibly, but strong impaired driving laws are needed for those who continue to put the lives of others at risk.”
The state has also awarded $270,000 to 125 local police departments to pay for additional patrols targeting drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs during the holiday season.