Police Using New Test for Impaired Drivers

 Posted on February 12, 2018 in DUI

With greater availability of legalized medical marijuana and increased abuse of opioids and other illegal substances, law enforcement encounters with impaired drivers have taken on a new dynamic. In an attempt to better identified those driving vehicles while under the influence and make Illinois roadways safer, police are employing a new type of roadside sobriety test.

Swabbing Starts This Month

The tell-tale sign of alcohol on the breath or slurred speech was usually enough for police to reasonably suspect a driver was impaired. However, determining whether or not a driver is high on drugs presents new challenges, ones for which a newly employed roadside test is expected to help overcome. One west suburban Illinois police department is beginning to use a test that reveals the chemicals in a person’s system 

1. The test involves the swabbing of the inside of the mouth of a motorist who is suspected of being under the influence of drugs.
2. The test is said to reveal whether or not a person is under the influence of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines, heroin and other opiates.
3. Similar testing is used by police in California, Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, as well as in Australia and some European countries.
4. Opponents of the new test claim it is inaccurate, and expect the validity of the test and arrests made as a result of the test to face stiff legal review.

Crashes Involving Drugs On The Rise

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported that, while car accidents involving alcohol dropped 30 percent between 2007 and 2016, drivers testing positive for marijuana tripled during the same period. Similar increases were reported in other states that legalized marijuana use. Companies that created the testing claim a high degree of accuracy, and a study in an industry-related journal reported similar findings.

Fight DUI Charges with an Experienced Arlington Heights IL DUI Defense Attorney

Operating a motor vehicle while impaired is dangerous for the driver, passengers, and others on the roads, and police are stepping up efforts to find and remove those drivers from the streets. In the event you find yourself facing DUI charges, it is important to understand your rights and work with a knowledgeable Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer, who can help protect your driving privileges. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, provides a meticulous review of your case, employs aggressive defense strategies and offers viable options to help mitigate consequences. Call 847-253-3400 today and schedule a free consultation during which time you ask questions and discuss your case.

Sources:

http://wgntv.com/2017/12/13/carol-stream-police-to-test-for-drugged-drivers/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-met-police-drug-driving-test-20171205-story.html