Michigan State Police to begin roadside drug testing

 In an effort to combat the dangers of drugged driving, five Michigan counties will participate in a one-year oral fluid roadside drug testing pilot program by Michigan State Police.

The counties include Berrien, Delta, Kent, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.

The Preliminary Oral Fluid Analysis pilot program will establish policies for the administration of roadside drug testing to determine whether an individual is operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Over the last several years, Michigan has seen a steady increase in fatal crashes involving drivers impaired by drugs. In 2016, there were 236 drug-involved traffic fatalities. 

"Motorists under the influence of drugs pose a risk to themselves and others on the road," said MSP Director Col. Kriste Etue. "With drugged driving on the rise, law enforcement officers need an effective tool to assist in making these determinations during a traffic stop."

The counties were chosen based on criteria including number of impaired driving crashed, impaired drivers arrested and trained Drug Recognition Experts in the county.

Under the pilot program, a DRE may require a person to submit to a preliminary oral fluid analysis to detect the presence of a controlled substance in the person's body if they suspect the driver is impaired by drugs. 

Refusal to submit to a preliminary oral fluid analysis upon lawful demand of a police officer is a civil infraction.