Pubdate: Thu, 04 Feb 2010
Source: Annapolis County Spectator; The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2010 Transcontinental Nova Scotia Media Group inc.
Contact:  http://www.novanewsnow.com/rubrique-719-County-of-Annapolis.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4699
Author:  Heather Killen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/Topic/Drug+Recognition+Expert

DRUGS AND DRIVING JUST GOT COMPLICATED

New Tests Able to Detect Various Drugs; Annapolis RCMP Have the Technology

Just because a doctor prescribes it, doesn't mean the Mounties will 
agree a drug is safe to take before driving.

The Annapolis RCMP detachment is now able to screen impaired drivers 
for several categories of drugs. Const. Preston Burns recently 
completed training to conduct Drug Recognition Exams, a series of 
measures that gauges levels of impairment and is able to accurately 
predict the presence of multiple drugs.

"In the past we might suspect a driver is under the influence of 
drugs, but we couldn't prove it," he said. "These tests measure 
physical responses and the body doesn't lie."

Const. Burns recently completed a two-week training module in Halifax 
and then travelled to Phoenix, where he applied the tests to inmates 
who had been picked up on warrants. Urine analysis confirmed that DRE 
was able to accurately predict the presence of drugs almost every time.

The test, which takes about 45 minutes to complete, measures standard 
physical responses such as pupil dilation; pulse and heart rate; and 
motor co-ordination across 12 sections. In some categories physical 
reactions to simple stimuli are noted, other categories measure 
responses to simple tasks that require divided attention.

"Anybody can walk a straight line," he said. "This script measures 
how well you can maintain your balance, while listening and 
performing simple mental tasks."

Pupil response and other autonomous functions can't be controlled and 
certain drugs have signature effects on reactions. Clammy skin, or 
flaccid muscle tone; large pupils, or an inability to visually track 
objects in certain visual planes can indicate the presence of certain 
drugs, according to Const. Burns.

The method was developed with doctors, who offered a range of 
baseline physical responses that are typical of people under the 
influence of narcotics, hallucinogenics, stimulants, inhalants, 
depressants, and dissociative drugs such as anesthetics.

The test can predict the presence of one, or more drugs based on the 
individual's reactions; and it's able to screen for neurological and 
physical conditions that appear to be related to drug or alcohol 
impairment, but aren't.

While some drugs mask the side effects of other drugs, this test also 
detects multiple reactions over various tasks, so that it's possible 
to predict the presence of alcohol, marijuana, and a stimulant. Based 
on the results of the DRE test, Const. Burns said he would probably 
demand a urine sample.

While the test has been recently used to confirm two Annapolis County 
drivers had been smoking cannabis, Const. Burns said he expects that 
over time a surprising number of impaired drivers may turn up with 
doctor's orders.

"You won't see too many people doing inhalants, or hallucinogenic 
drugs and then get behind the wheel," he said. "But many people think 
that if the doctor prescribes a drug, it's safe. And it may be safe 
when taken as directed, but what happens if you miss a pill and 
double up? Or, if you take your pill and then later have a drink?"

Any refusal to take the test is treated the same as a refusal to take 
the breathalyzer, he added. It's as good as pleading guilty.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom