TEST FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

To the Editor:

Like every Vineyard resident, I was saddened to read about the car accident
that took 18-year-old Eric MacLean's life.

I was stunned to read the statement by Oak Bluffs police chief Joe Carter,
printed in last week's Vineyard Gazette, that, while police could not
immediately determine the cause of the crash, no blood alcohol or drug
tests were performed on the driver.

"'There was no evidence to raise any suspicions,' said Chief Carter. 'But
if we get any information about drugs or alcohol, we'll pursue it.'"

No evidence? How could he get it without testing? Where else could such
information come from? I have to wonder about Chief Carter's motives: what
could justify such a lackadaisical attitude?

On an island where it is commonly acknowledged that drug and alcohol abuse
are rampant (particularly in the high school), shouldn't such drug and
alcohol testing be a mandatory procedure at any motor vehicle accident scene?

Perhaps if those driving on the Island knew that all persons involved in a
vehicular accident would be tested, maybe, just maybe, that would restrain
at least some people who are under the influence from getting behind the wheel.

It is plausible that mechanical failure caused the accident that took young
Eric MacLean's life. But how can anyone know for sure when the police chief
conducts an investigation this way? Failure to test the driver in this case
simply leaves open the door for rumor and speculation.

It is time to make drug and alcohol testing mandatory whenever there is a
car accident on this Island.

Sheldon Baron, Edgartown