TEST SUSPECTED DRIVERS FOR DRUGS AT CRASH SITES

The ability to believe in something and not be able to see it is called
faith. Unfortunately for me and my family, our faith was tested in 1999
with the loss of our daughter, Cassie Jones. We as a family have come to
realize we can love with out holding and without seeing. Now along with the
loss of our daughter comes an education in our justice system.

To my disbelief I have discovered that there are presently no laws that
make it mandatory for police officers to test all suspected drivers at a
crash site where the loss of life has occurred. There are, however, laws in
place that make it mandatory for the dead to undergo testing for drugs and
alcohol, especially if the case is being investigated as a criminal act.
The responding police officer may request the survivors to undergo testing
for drugs and alcohol if he feels there is a reason to do so.

What reason can someone give while they are lying dead in the road to be
tested? If we're going to test the dead, then why is it wrong to ask the
living to undergo the same test? Presently a bill before the public
transportation and safety committee (House Bill 307) would make it
mandatory for responding police officers to do testing on all suspected
drivers involved in a crash where the loss of life has occurred.

It is time for mandatory drug and alcohol testing on all suspected drivers
at a crash site where loss of life has occurred. House Bill 307 is
desperately needed.

DALE A. JONES, JR., Drummond Road