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'Drive Baked, Get Busted' billboards send message on 420, nationally known as weed day

Posted at 5:34 PM, Apr 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-20 21:49:54-04

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.--- Billboards up on I-95 are sending a message on a day nationally known to support the legalization of marijuana, 4/20. 

The signs say 'Drive Baked, Get Busted.' It's a simple and direct message from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 

"People shouldn't be baked while they're driving," said John Marhefka of Boca Raton.

Marhefka saw the billboard and thought it's a good way to raise public awareness, but there's more he's worried about when he gets behind the wheel. 

"Women doing their makeup in the morning driving in the rearview mirror or the down mirror and they're doing their makeup, that to me seems crazy," added Marhefka. 

State Representative Emily Slosberg says texting and driving has been the most deadly form of distracted driving. More than 1,700 crashes in Palm Beach County last year were caused by distracted drivers and resulted in more than 200 deaths. 373 crashes were caused by drowsy drivers.

"When I see someone swerving that freaks me out a bit," said Nauha Darediya. 

Representative Slosberg believes the billboards are also letting others on the road know to look out for marijuana-impaired distracted drivers. 

"We're having young drivers who are getting intoxicated on marijuana and texting and while they're driving a car and it's a deadly combination," added Slosberg. 

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are increasing their presence April 20 and 21 as part of a state-wide initiative to save lives on the highways.