Pubdate: Thu, 13 May 2004
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.mysouthernalberta.com/leth/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Don Cruickshank

IMPAIRED DRIVING LAW DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH

Editor:

Re: "Drug" driving.

The current laws prohibiting "drug" driving are good as far as they go, but 
they do not go that far. It is naive to suggest legislation calling for the 
imposition of more sophisticated techniques of detection and deterrence of 
"drug" drivers are, as Jody Pressman suggests (The Herald, May 6), 
"misguided" and that current "standard impairment tests and field sobriety 
tests" are adequate.

Those suspected of "drug" driving get less than a slap on the wrist because 
it is almost impossible to prove "drug" driving in court with these 
so-called standard impairment tests. As it is, all that can realistically 
deter "drug" drivers is a lame 24-hour suspension, which is not, as a 
Herald editorial suggests, an adequate "message to drivers about their 
responsibilities when they get behind the wheel" . . . "No problem officer, 
I'll take a 24-hour suspension!"

Twenty-four-hour suspensions might get us safely through the night. But 
what about tomorrow night, next week, next month, and so on. And what if 
pot is legalized? I see cars parked all along Mayor Magrath, 3 Avenue, and 
Whoop-Up Drive, temporarily "immobilized." How terribly inconvenient and 
esthetically displeasing.

DON CRUICKSHANK

Lethbridge
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