This Unusual Anti-Drug Driving Campaign Kicks Off For The 420 'Holiday'.

Apparently, areas of the US where marijuana has been legalised are having problems with people driving while stoned. The law has always prohibited driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs, but when marijuana was legalised in Colorado in January 2014, many users thought it was suddenly okay to drive high.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says as much as 20 per cent of drivers don’t know it’s illegal to smoke and drive. With an increase in DUI arrests from marijuana, officials are now trying to spread awareness of the dangers and penalties for those who break the law.

The latest campaign starts just in time for Monday’s big day of pot smoking. Each year, April 20 sparks pot smoking celebrations around the world. In most US states, these festivities are either overlooked by law enforcement or held in private. In Colorado, where medical and recreational marijuana use is now legal, the parties are everywhere.

So, how does the CDOT grab the attention of pot smokers? Simple: by installing several arcade game cabinets in the pot dispensaries, and filling them with a message. The “End Game” machines look like an ordinary arcade racer, until the user starts the game. A message appears, warning of the consequences of driving impaired, then offers some free arcade games like Donkey Kong and Galaga to play instead.

The pot dispensaries are also handing out print materials about the risks and laws surrounding DUIs. During the 420 celebration there will be a ‘Cannabis Quiz Cab’ driving around down town Denver. It will be a not-as-cool version of TV’s Cash Cab, where the questions are harder and no money is won. However, for each question riders answer correctly, they will receive a credit for a future ride with the Yellow Cab company.

The CDOT will also display a car that fills with smoke to simulate people smoking weed in their cars. As the smoke fades away, a message inside reads “Drive High, Get A DUI.” The department is making it clear this year that smoking pot and driving is just as dangerous as consuming alcohol and driving.

For anyone partaking in this year’s celebrations, don’t drive. Seriously. If you must get stoned out of your mind, stay in and play video games instead.