Pubdate: Fri, 07 Mar 2014
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Monte Whaley
Page: 10A

CDOT ADS: STAY OUT OF HIGH GEAR

Golden - A stoned dude appears to have successfully hung a big-screen
television in his living room. Satisfied with his work, he ambles over
to grab some munchies.

Just as he's about to dig in, the television falls to the floor, and
he views the damage with a puzzled look.

A few words then appear on the screen informing viewers that
installing a new television while stoned is legal but "driving to get
a new one isn't."

That is one of three commercials produced by the Colorado Department
of Transportation- and released Thursday - as part of an education
campaign aimed at informing drivers about the dangers of driving under
the influence of marijuana.

CDOT's efforts are to head off misconceptions about the state's
venture into legalizing certain levels of marijuana possession and
sale. Namely, the state and police want to dispel notions that pot
produces better, more skillful drivers.

"We heard repeatedly that people thought marijuana didn't impact their
driving ability, and some believed it actually made them a better
driver," CDOT spokeswoman Amy Ford said, referring to a September
study of 770Coloradans. CDOT contacted the participants by phone.

The "Drive High, Get a DUI" campaign takes a neutral stance on
legalization but focuses on the impaired-driving lawinColorado, Ford
said.

"We certainly are trying to be humorous, but we also wanted to drive
home the point that it's certainly legal to use marijuana in Colorado,
but it's not legal to get behind the wheel and drive," Ford said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt