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Colorado's New DWI Problem: Pot

A federal grant is funding a Colorado effort to fight driving while high.

Efforts are expanding to keep those who overindulge on weed from getting behind the wheel — and punishing those who do.

 

A $400,000 grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is being used for an anti-imbibing and driving campaign and to train more law enforcement officers to spot pot-impaired drivers.

"It's ironic we're using federal funding for something that is illegal federally," Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Emily Wilfong said. "But they (federal officials) do realize this is a traffic safety issue and needs to be addressed."

A chunk of the money will go toward television advertising. Posters warning of the danger of impaired driving will be distributed to stores that sell pot.

The media push starts in March.

 

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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