In an effort to help curb impaired driving in Massachusetts, Lyft is teaming up with the state’s Chiefs of Police Association and Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition to promote sobriety behind the wheel.
It’s part of a larger campaign by the state to warn people about the potentially fatal dangers of driving while high, now that recreational weed is legal in Massachusetts. The state’s “drive sober” push includes this PSA:
Says Lyft, “With recreational marijuana dispensaries opening in Massachusetts, we’re doing our part to combat intoxicated driving by committing $50,000 in ride credit to people in Massachusetts who pledge not to drive intoxicated.”
Anyone who pledges on social media to not drive high will receive $4.20 in fare credits.
-
Related Story: Cannabis Shops Will Not Open On July 1 In Massachusetts
“Impaired drivers risk irreparable harm to both themselves and those they share the road with. As recreational marijuana dispensaries open in Massachusetts, remember to plan ahead before consuming cannabis. Lyft is a great way to get a responsible ride home,” said Chief Mark Leahy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.
Law enforcement officials are reportedly still trying to figure out how to test for people’s impairment level. And according to WBUR, last year, the state’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled field sobriety tests can’t be used to determine if someone is high or not.
Major Richard Ball, a commanding officer with Massachusetts State Police, told WBUR that for now, it’s important that people are educated enough to not get behind the wheel.
-
Related Story: Is A Marijuana Breathalyzer Finally A Reality?
“We’ll do the best we can to make sure that we follow the protocols that we’re supposed to follow,” he said. “But we’re trying to get the message out to say: ‘Understand that you can’t smoke a joint and jump in your car and drive.’ It’s illegal and it’s dangerous.”
