CDOT Launching Marijuana Impaired Driving Education Campaign

STATEWIDE— The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) are hosting a press conference to officially launch the new “Drive High, Get a DUI” marijuana impaired driving education campaign. The campaign has been in the planning stages since mid-2013 and is being launched in response to the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in the state. The campaign will feature television commercials, radio advertising and posters at dispensaries, all of which will be unveiled at the press event. The event falls on the heels of a nine-day-long Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training session, where more than 20 CSP troopers will graduate with this esteemed designation. Media are invited to attend the graduation that will immediately follow the press event.

WHAT: Press conference launching CDOT’s Drive High. Get a DUI. Anti-Drugged Driving Campaign

WHEN: Thursday, March 6

1:00-2:00 p.m. – Filming opportunity at “Identifying the Suspect” role-play session of DRE training

2:00-2:30 p.m. – Press Conference (with interview opportunities available afterward)

2:30-3:00 p.m. – One-on-one interview opportunity

3:00-4:00 p.m. – Filming opportunity at DRE Graduation

WHERE: Colorado State Patrol Training Academy (see attached map)

15055 S. Golden Rd.

Golden, CO 80401

Role Play Session in Building 100

Press Conference and DRE Graduation in Gymnasium

INVITED SPEAKERS:

Amy Ford, CDOT Communication Director

Darrell Lingk, CDOT Office of Transportation Safety

Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the CSP

Chief Bob Ticer, Chief of Avon Police Department and Chair of Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving

Andrew Freedman, Director of Marijuana Coordination for the Governor’s Office

Elan Nelson, Vice-Chair of the Medical Marijuana Industry Group Board

MEDIA NOTE: Speakers will be available for 30 minutes immediately following the press conference. Interviews will be conducted outside the CSP training facility, or in the lobby (depending on weather) to not interrupt the graduation ceremony. A USB will be provided to media, which will include TV PSAs, a poster, press release and other materials.