We’ll be blunt: Don’t get high and drive

‘Tis the season for ugly sweater parties, holiday revelry, and celebrating with friends and family! Keep the season merry for yourself and others by taking part in another important tradition: planning before you party.

Driving while high doubles your chance of getting in a crash, and becomes even riskier when combined with alcohol use. Crashes are preventable, though: one easy way is by planning how to get home safely before you party. This not only keeps yourself and others safe, but also helps avoid a DUI arrest.

Remember, cannabis use is legal in Washington, but you can still get a DUI for driving under the influence, and more than 150 law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in extra DUI patrols through the holidays.

So make your pre-party plan – and check it twice.

• If you host a party, make plans for guests to get home safely
• Designate a sober driver
• Use public transportation
• Call an Uber, Lyft, or a cab
• Help friends and family find a safe ride home

We’re not the only ones preaching safe ride plans. Our friends at the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, in partnership with longtime marijuana activist and Hempfest director Vivian McPeak, are working together to promote planning before you party as well. They share the goal of reducing the growing number of fatal crashes by drivers impaired by both alcohol and cannabis, or other drugs. Check out their recently released joint public service announcement on driving impaired to learn more about their shared stance.