The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has finished a pilot project that could lead to new screening tools for law enforcement to save lives on the State’s roads.
Fifty-seven drug recognition evaluators (DREs) from 41 law enforcement agencies participated last year in the OTS-coordinated pilot project. They covered 36 counties across Minnesota.
The DREs tested two instruments, the Abbott SoToxa™ Oral Fluid Mobile Test System and the Dräger DrugTest 5000. They evaluated the instruments for factors such as ease of use, reliability, accuracy and practicality. The devices detect recent use of six drug classes and the specific chemicals that can impair drivers.
The pilot project was voluntary for drivers. DREs first performed the standard roadside evaluation of drivers suspected of impairment. If the driver agreed, they were then asked to provide an oral fluid sample for testing. The results couldn’t be used in court and did not establish probable cause for a DWI arrest.
The pilot project showed how the simultaneous use of multiple substances is contributing to impairment.
The department’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has now submitted results to state legislators on the two testing instruments.
“Sadly, the deadly seriousness of impaired driving goes beyond just alcohol,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “Driving while under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol is a threat to every person on the road. Advances in roadside technology will help law enforcement identify drug-impaired drivers and keep us all safe.”
