'4/20 Day’ Creates High Stakes on the Road
Soundbites for Media:
The cannabis holiday 4/20 brings a high risk to our roadways as more people celebrate. AAA is warning drivers about the dangers of driving high and urges anyone who is impaired to stay off the road.
"No matter its legal status or medical use, cannabis impairment and driving don’t mix,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “When judgment and reaction time are compromised, the risk extends beyond the driver to everyone sharing the road.”
Drivers Often Underestimate Cannabis Impairment
AAA survey data show most Georgia drivers understand that cannabis can impair driving. Sixty-two percent say it reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly and make safe decisions. Still, perception gaps persist: nearly three in ten Georgians (29%) believe driving after using cannabis is less dangerous than driving after drinking alcohol, a misconception AAA warns may lead drivers to underestimate impairment. Opinions also diverge on accountability. More than half of Georgians (52%) say cannabis-impaired driving should carry the same penalties as an alcohol DUI, while 25% support lighter penalties.
“The road requires clear heads, not clouded minds,” continued Waiters. “If you plan to celebrate 4/20, find a safe ride before taking any impairing substances. This is critical so drivers do not have to decide if they’re sober enough to drive.”
‘Crashes Hit Different’ Campaign
The effort to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired driving and other risky behaviors behind the wheel is part of AAA – The Auto Club Group’s traffic safety campaign, “Crashes Hit Different.” Someone is killed in a crash every 12 minutes, often due to impaired driving, distractions, speed, or not wearing a seatbelt. AAA is working with communities to stop preventable tragedies.
Find more AAA information regarding cannabis-impaired driving here.
About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey
The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among 400 Georgia residents from January 26–February 5, 2026. Survey results asked for all respondents have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points. Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Georgia.
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.