Strategy #49
Testing for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs
Actively support the development and implementation of technologies that accurately reveal the level of alcohol and/or drugs in an individual’s system without violating his or her civil liberties.
Background
Driving under the influence is a factor in tens of thousands of traffic collisions every year. Although the general public’s reduced acceptance of mixing drinking and driving and the lowered statutory threshold for blood alcohol concentration in some states has reduced the number of alcohol-involved collisions, much still remains to be done in this area.
Actions
- Consider using preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) devices for both screening and evidence.
- Monitor the development of technology that uses saliva swabs and hair samples to simultaneously detect commonly used drugs, including cannabinoids, ecstasy, cocaine, opiates, and
benzodiazepines.
- Establish procedures to meet the legal criteria for evidentiary use of both technologies.
- Pursue enabling legislation if necessary.
Benefits
- Allows samples to be taken at the time of the DUI stop, which will reduce the likelihood of a “rising blood alcohol” and degree of impairment defense.
- Sample collection can be closely observed.
- Is less invasive than taking urine or blood samples.
- Identifies drugs actually present in the blood at the time the person is stopped.
Other Considerations
- Cost of the technology.
- Increased skills, expertise and training for personnel to support and operate.
- Accuracy and reliability of technology.
- Constitutional requirements.