State transportation officials are unveiling a non-traditional campaign to keep pot smokers from getting behind the wheel during the traditional day to celebrate weed.
The “2015 Drive High, Get a DUI” push is on for the days around April 20. Known as 4/20, the day is regarded as the high holy day for pot smoking.
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The tactics used by the Colorado Department of Transportation for the 4/20 weekend are “sure to reignite the marijuana safety conversation in Colorado,” said CDOT spokesman Sam Cole.
They include:
• The Smoking Car — Over the 4/20 weekend in Denver, and in Boulder and Fort Collins over the summer, the “smoking car” will pop up at large events. The car fills with smoke as if people are getting high inside.
But the smoke quickly dissipates showing the message “Drive High, Get a DUI” in neon lights. CDOT staff members will be on hand to control the smoke, said Cole. Meanwhile, the “smoking car” serves as a visual reminder that marijuana and vehicles don’t mix well, Cole said.
• End Game Arcade — CDOT is installing an arcade game at seven marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. The game appears to be a classic racing game, but when users attempt to play, a CDOT public service announcement reminds them that driving high is illegal.
Players are offered alternative games to play.
• Cannabis Cup — On Saturday and Sunday, CDOT will be at the Cannabis Cup — an event that draws nearly 40,000 marijuana enthusiasts. As attendees line up in the morning, CDOT will distribute snacks branded with marijuana safety messages. CDOT is also hosting a booth that features a list of activities people can do while high, reminding people that driving isn’t one of them.
• Cannabis Quiz Cab — Cannabis Cup attendees can be driven home by the Yellow Cab Ztrip van for a chance to play the Cannabis Quiz Cab. Participants will answer trivia questions while riding in the Quiz Cab for the chance to win up to $100 in Ztrip credits to be used toward future rides. The trivia questions will be related to marijuana laws in Colorado, with each correct answer worth a ride credit.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907, mwhaley@denverpost.com or twitter.com/montewhaley
