DRUGS AND DRIVING JUST GOT COMPLICATED

New Tests Able to Detect Various Drugs; Annapolis RCMP Have the Technology

Just because a doctor prescribes it, doesn't mean the Mounties will
agree a drug is safe to take before driving.

The Annapolis RCMP detachment is now able to screen impaired drivers
for several categories of drugs. Const. Preston Burns recently
completed training to conduct Drug Recognition Exams, a series of
measures that gauges levels of impairment and is able to accurately
predict the presence of multiple drugs.

"In the past we might suspect a driver is under the influence of
drugs, but we couldn't prove it," he said. "These tests measure
physical responses and the body doesn't lie."

Const. Burns recently completed a two-week training module in Halifax
and then travelled to Phoenix, where he applied the tests to inmates
who had been picked up on warrants. Urine analysis confirmed that DRE
was able to accurately predict the presence of drugs almost every time.

The test, which takes about 45 minutes to complete, measures standard
physical responses such as pupil dilation; pulse and heart rate; and
motor co-ordination across 12 sections. In some categories physical
reactions to simple stimuli are noted, other categories measure
responses to simple tasks that require divided attention.

"Anybody can walk a straight line," he said. "This script measures
how well you can maintain your balance, while listening and
performing simple mental tasks."

Pupil response and other autonomous functions can't be controlled and
certain drugs have signature effects on reactions. Clammy skin, or
flaccid muscle tone; large pupils, or an inability to visually track
objects in certain visual planes can indicate the presence of certain
drugs, according to Const. Burns.

The method was developed with doctors, who offered a range of
baseline physical responses that are typical of people under the
influence of narcotics, hallucinogenics, stimulants, inhalants,
depressants, and dissociative drugs such as anesthetics.

The test can predict the presence of one, or more drugs based on the
individual's reactions; and it's able to screen for neurological and
physical conditions that appear to be related to drug or alcohol
impairment, but aren't.

While some drugs mask the side effects of other drugs, this test also
detects multiple reactions over various tasks, so that it's possible
to predict the presence of alcohol, marijuana, and a stimulant. Based
on the results of the DRE test, Const. Burns said he would probably
demand a urine sample.

While the test has been recently used to confirm two Annapolis County
drivers had been smoking cannabis, Const. Burns said he expects that
over time a surprising number of impaired drivers may turn up with
doctor's orders.

"You won't see too many people doing inhalants, or hallucinogenic
drugs and then get behind the wheel," he said. "But many people think
that if the doctor prescribes a drug, it's safe. And it may be safe
when taken as directed, but what happens if you miss a pill and
double up? Or, if you take your pill and then later have a drink?"

Any refusal to take the test is treated the same as a refusal to take
the breathalyzer, he added. It's as good as pleading guilty.