DRUGGED DRIVERS

Paul Gallagher Offers More Than A Campaign Issue

It's always interesting how the introduction of legislation can align with
filing deadlines for political office. Nevertheless, good ideas do come
forward, as is the case with the proposal of Paul Gallagher, a Summit
County councilman, calling for specific tests for those suspected of
driving under the influence of the most commonly used illegal drugs.

An at-large Democrat, Gallagher is running for judge of the Cuyahoga Falls
Municipal Court against Lisa Coates, a former Summit County assistant
prosecutor who was appointed to a vacant seat on the Falls bench.

Gallagher is an assistant Portage County prosecutor with firsthand
experience of the frustrations of going after those suspected of driving
under the influence of drugs. The standard for alcohol intoxication is well
understood. At the same time, the lack of specific testing for driving
while under the influence of drugs makes proving impairment difficult.

(Like most other states, Ohio DUI laws cover abuse of alcohol, drugs or a
combination. Gallagher's legislation would not change existing penalties.
Summit County's charter government allows him to suggest his ideas on
testing without a rewrite of state law.)

Gallagher points out that current technology allows for blood tests for
specific levels of drugs. His legislation focuses on standards for
marijuana and cocaine, which, according to police, cover about 80 percent
of DUI cases involving drugs.

Although most offenses involve a combination of alcohol and drugs,
Gallagher said he has prosecuted cases in which drug use alone was in question.

Still to be worked out are the details of who will collect blood samples,
but that shouldn't be insurmountable. The Summit County jail has nurses on
duty at all times. Akron City Hospital and the county medical examiner's
office are available to do the tests.

Gallagher is correct that setting standards for driving under the influence
of drugs would allow for more successful prosecutions. That may or may not
get Gallagher elected judge.

It will help to get more dangerous drivers off the road.