SUSPECTED DRUGGED DRIVERS WILL HAVE TO STAND ON ONE FOOT AND COUNT

WINNIPEG -- Manitoba drivers suspected of being high on drugs will be asked
to perform a specific series of tasks, including standing on one leg while
counting out loud, under new regulations approved by the NDP government.

"The tests are, by nature, divided attention tests," David Greening, a
senior Justice Department policy analyst, said in an interview.

"(Police) can determine if a person is impaired by how they perform on the
tests."

The new regulations stem from amendments to the provincial Highway Traffic
Act approved by the legislature last spring. They are intended to crack down
on motorists who drive under the influence of drugs.

While police can use breathalysers to test for alcohol impairment, they do
not have machines to test for drug impairment. So the province has had to
develop a standardized motor skills test for suspected drug users.

The new regulations spell out three specific tasks that officers must make
motorists perform.

The drivers will first be told to look at an object in the officer's hand
and follow it as the officer moves it.

Drivers will then be required to walk in a straight line while counting the
number of steps out loud, turning around, and taking the same number of
steps in return.

Finally, the drivers will have to raise one foot and count out loud while
keeping their eyes on the raised foot.

Having a standard test across the province should ensure that drivers are
treated fairly, said Greening.

"The advantage of the standardized test is that it's scientifically approved
and has been approved by agencies such as the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration in the United States and the International Association
of Chiefs of Police," he said.

Those who fail the test can have their vehicles impounded and driver's
licence suspended for 24 hours or more.

Quebec and British Columbia have similar laws.

The issue flared up for provincial governments after the federal government
signalled it was preparing to decriminalize the possession of small amounts
of marijuana. The provinces have said the change could lead to an increase
in drugged drivers.

Police officers across the province are being trained to administer the new
roadside test, said Greening.

"I think at this point, roughly over 50 officers have been trained."