GIPD Receives Grant to Crack Down on Drug-Impaired Driving

Grand Island, Neb. — April 20, known as "4/20," is an unofficial holiday celebrated by the cannabis culture as a day to celebrate and smoke marijuana. It's also a day where organizations like AAA and law enforcement agencies nationwide issue warnings about the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis.

Driving under the influence of cannabis, regardless of its legality, is dangerous and illegal and continues to challenge the safety of Nebraska drivers. It can impair reflexes, focus and decision-making, which increases the risk of accidents.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation awarded the Grand Island Police Department a $2,827.66 grant for patrol officers and drug recognition experts to work overtime to target people who are driving impaired. This is part of the larger statewide effort called “Drug-Impaired Driving” taking place Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20.

The Grand Island Police Department and the Nebraska Department of Transportation are actively reminding drivers to plan a safe ride and avoid driving under the influence of cannabis, particularly on 4/20.