Pubdate: Wed, 18 Apr 2001
Source: Martha's Vineyard Times (MA)
Copyright: 2001 Martha's Vineyard Times
Contact:  http://www.mvtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1166
Author: Sheldon Baron

TEST FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

To the Editor:

Like every Vineyard resident, I was saddened to read about the car accident 
that took 18-year-old Eric MacLean's life.

I was stunned to read the statement by Oak Bluffs police chief Joe Carter, 
printed in last week's Vineyard Gazette, that, while police could not 
immediately determine the cause of the crash, no blood alcohol or drug 
tests were performed on the driver.

"'There was no evidence to raise any suspicions,' said Chief Carter. 'But 
if we get any information about drugs or alcohol, we'll pursue it.'"

No evidence? How could he get it without testing? Where else could such 
information come from? I have to wonder about Chief Carter's motives: what 
could justify such a lackadaisical attitude?

On an island where it is commonly acknowledged that drug and alcohol abuse 
are rampant (particularly in the high school), shouldn't such drug and 
alcohol testing be a mandatory procedure at any motor vehicle accident scene?

Perhaps if those driving on the Island knew that all persons involved in a 
vehicular accident would be tested, maybe, just maybe, that would restrain 
at least some people who are under the influence from getting behind the wheel.

It is plausible that mechanical failure caused the accident that took young 
Eric MacLean's life. But how can anyone know for sure when the police chief 
conducts an investigation this way? Failure to test the driver in this case 
simply leaves open the door for rumor and speculation.

It is time to make drug and alcohol testing mandatory whenever there is a 
car accident on this Island.

Sheldon Baron, Edgartown
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