Roadside Drug Testing Proposed by Casperson

Senate Bill 434, introduced by Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), would allow for a pilot program to implement roadside drug testing following an oral test performed by a drug recognition expert. The introduction of the bill follows a fatal car accident in the Upper Peninsula, in which the driver was under the influence of marijuana.

According to the bill, a certified drug recognition expert is a peace officer who has undergone training to recognize impairment in the operator of a motor vehicle. An individual suspected of being impaired would be required to undergo an oral fluid analysis and a chemical breath analysis. The number of certified drug recognition experts has seen an increase lately in Michigan, according to Sergeant Amy Dehner of the Michigan State Police. Ms. Dehner estimates that there are currently 100 prosecutors, deputies, or officers who have completed the Drug Recognition Expert Program in place.

Sergeant Dehner added that she believes the three counties will be determined through a conversation with the Michigan State Police, Senator Casperson, and prosecuting attorneys throughout the state. An obstacle that has yet to be overcome in the program is the level required to be considered impaired on a variety of drugs, including marijuana.

The state has previously attempted to curb impaired driving, but has been unsuccessful thus far due to an inability to enforce the current legislation. In order to attempt to combat this issue, the program will require that the Michigan State Police submit a report on the program’s success in the three pilot counties.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 10, 2015 10:10 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

This Week's Newsletter

Past Newsletters