BABY LUKE LAW TARGETS DRUG USE

A recent editorial applauded the new drugged driving law because it
allegedly brings the state's position on drugged driving in line with drunk
driving. This couldn't be further from the truth. Whereas, drunk driving
laws target impaired drivers (hence the word "drunk") , the new drugged
driving law targets drug use.

For example, it is perfectly legal to drive with alcohol in ones' system,
provided the amount is not enough to significantly impair driving ability.
The new drug law declares that if a driver has any amount of illicit drugs
in their system they are considered impaired. This is simply a false
assumption. Detecting a small amount of an illicit drug in a driver's
system means the driver has used that drug. It does not mean the drug, in
any way, caused the driver to be significantly impaired. Thus, the law, in
fact, targets drug use, not drugged (i.e. impaired) driving.

It's time to start acknowledging that people can, and do, use drugs
responsibly. Our laws should reflect this by distinguishing between drug
use and drug abuse.

- -- Jim Allard, Madison