Iowa State Patrol make 32 drug arrests over 4/20 weekend

MARIJUANA, THEY’RE STEPPING UP ENFORCEMENT THIS WEEKEND. NO NEED TO BE PARANOID FRIDAY AND SATURDAY YOU WILL NOTICE AN INCREASED LAW-ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE OUT ON INTERSTATE 235. AND ALL ACROSS THE STATE OF IOWA. IN HONOR OF 4/20. >> THAT’S KIND OF SYNONYMOUS IN SMOKING MARIJUANA. HANNAH: THOSE LIKE IOWA STATE PATROL SGT. NATHAN LUDWIG, WILL BE LOOKING FOR DRIVERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF NOT JUST MARIJUANA BUT THOSE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ANY DRUNK WHILE DRIVING. WAX WE’VE SEEN PEOPLE OUT HERE ON THE ROADWAY THAT ARE POPPING TOO MANY PILLS AND GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL. HANNAH: PATRICK HOYE IS WITH THE GOVERNOR’S TRAFFIC SAFETY BUREAU. HE SAYS THIS IS A JOINT EFFORT AMONG SIX MIDWESTERN STATES, WHERE THEY’VE BEEN SEEING AN INCREASE IN DRUGGED-DRIVING. >> WE’RE FINDING THAT DRUG IMPAIRED DRIVING IS ACTUALLY GROWING FASTER THAN ALCOHOL IMPAIRED DRIVING. HANNAH: TROOPERS CAN’T USE A BREATHALYZER IF THEY SUSPECT SOMEONE TO BE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS. BUT THEY CAN USE A DRE. >> EVERY AGENCY OR AGENCIES HAVE A NUMBER OF OFFICERS THAT ARE DRE-CERTIFIED, WHICH IS A DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT. >> THEY’LL TAKE THE SUBJECT’S TEMPERATURE, BLOOD PRESSURE, ALL OF THOSE THINGS THAT DRUGS ARE TRIGGERING IN THE BODY. HANNAH: DRE’S CAN DETERMINE IF A DRIVER IS IMPAIR

Iowa State Patrol troopers made 32 drug-related arrests and issued more than 2,200 traffic citations over the weekend during a crackdown on drugged driving.The crackdown came as Saturday, or 4/20, was recognized as a day celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts. It was part of a joint effort among six Midwestern states where there has been an increase in drugged driving. Also over the weekend, troopers responded to 28 crashes, and one of them was fatal. Authorities made 23 DWI arrests, nine felony arrests and 81 in-custody arrests. They issued 2,275 traffic citations, 1,371 speed citations, 155 seat belt citations and 16 commercial vehicle citations. “We’re not going to see those numbers go down unless we do something about it,” Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said.When it comes to taking prescribed drugs, officials want you to consult with your doctor to make sure it is safe to get behind the wheel. Never drive until you know what effect a new medication has on you.RELATED: Iowa authorities on high alert as 4/20 weekend approachesThe Iowa Department of Public Safety said it's never safe to drive when impaired. THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects, slows down reaction times, impairs cognitive performance and makes it difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane, officials said.The department said there are ways to make sure you get home safely: Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a ride-share service, or download the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's SaferRide mobile app.

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) —

Iowa State Patrol troopers made 32 drug-related arrests and issued more than 2,200 traffic citations over the weekend during a crackdown on drugged driving.

The crackdown came as Saturday, or 4/20, was recognized as a day celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts. It was part of a joint effort among six Midwestern states where there has been an increase in drugged driving.

Also over the weekend, troopers responded to 28 crashes, and one of them was fatal. Authorities made 23 DWI arrests, nine felony arrests and 81 in-custody arrests.

They issued 2,275 traffic citations, 1,371 speed citations, 155 seat belt citations and 16 commercial vehicle citations.

“We’re not going to see those numbers go down unless we do something about it,” Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said.

When it comes to taking prescribed drugs, officials want you to consult with your doctor to make sure it is safe to get behind the wheel. Never drive until you know what effect a new medication has on you.

RELATED: Iowa authorities on high alert as 4/20 weekend approaches

The Iowa Department of Public Safety said it's never safe to drive when impaired. THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects, slows down reaction times, impairs cognitive performance and makes it difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane, officials said.

The department said there are ways to make sure you get home safely: Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a ride-share service, or download the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's SaferRide mobile app.

Iowa State Patrol make 32 drug arrests over 4/20 weekend

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

RELATED: Iowa authorities on high alert as 4/20 weekend approaches

Top Picks