DRUGGED DRIVING LAW DOING THE JOB

Tougher laws can work. For evidence, consider the new law in Michigan which
is intended to keep drivers under the influence of drugs off our roads.

More impaired drivers were arrested in the first part of 2004, thanks to
the new zero tolerance law for operating while under the influence of drugs.

From Jan. 1, to May 31, 840 people were arrested in Michigan for driving
while under the influence of drugs. During the same period of time in 2003,
only 289 people were arrested. That's a 290 percent increase.

The law took effect Oct. 1 - the same time as the .08 blood alcohol
standard for drunk driving offenses. The law contains a zero tolerance for
drivers with certain illegal drugs in their system.

These "schedule 1" drugs are those with no medicinal use, such as
marijuana, GHB, cocaine and cocaine-derivative drugs. Under this law,
prosecutors do not have to prove the driver was impaired, just that they
were driving with those drugs in their system.

Those convicted under the zero tolerance drug provisions face the same
penalties as those convicted for drunk driving. For the first time
offender, those penalties are:

* Up to 93 days in jail.

* Up to a $500 fine.

* Up to 360 hours of community service.

* Up to 6 points on a driver's license.

* Up to 180 days with a suspended license, with a restricted license
possible after 30 days.

"These numbers serve as a warning that there are real consequences for
putting yourself and others in danger by using drugs and getting behind the
wheel," said Col. Tadarial Sturdivant, director of the Michigan State
Police. "All impaired driving cases, whether it be from drugs or alcohol,
are taken seriously. Our continued focus is to keep the public safe by
removing those dangerous drivers from the road."

Every time a person under the influence of drugs is taken off our roads, it
increases safety on our roads. This is a good law. It works.