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.

State of Michigan Suspends Burton Insurance Agent's License

State officials have suspended a Burton insurance agent's license following accusations she failed to submit customer applications and kept payments that left clients without insurance.

The state Department of Insurance and Financial Services on Nov. 12 suspended the license of Angella K. Swain-Jones, owner of Swain Insurance, 4251 Davison Road in Burton, who specializes in property and casualty insurance. 

A hearing in front of an administrative law judge can be requested by Swain-Jones in regard to the suspension no later than 20 days after the order was issued, or later if requested.

The state department said it began an investigation in March 2013 into Swain-Jones after receiving several complaints from customers.

"Although Swain Agency holds itself to the public as engaged in the business of insurance, Swain Agency is not a licensed resident producer agency as required by the (Michigan Insurance) Code, and is not authorized to transact the business of insurance in Michigan," states a summary order to suspend Swain-Jones' license.
The suspension order further states that Swain-Jones made an attempt to conceal "her misappropriation of customer funds" by issuing false proof of insurance certificates.

Several accusations were included in the suspension order of customers issued certificates for no-fault insurance and finding out they had no policy when switching to another agency. In another instance, a customer was in an automobile accident and Swain-Jones allegedly paid for damages, the order said.
The Department of Insurance and Financial Services said it attempted to conduct an examination on Sept. 17, 2013, of the business' finances, but they were refused access to documents.

Swain-Jones has been fined in the past by the state agency. She was ordered to pay $3,000 in January 2003 for "fiduciary violations," $300 in March 2006 for failing to pay premiums and maintain reasonable accounting methods, and $500 in December 2009 for the same reasons.   

Swain-Jones could not be immediately reached for comment on the suspension order.

Drivers who made a purchase through Ms. Swain-Jones are urged to contact the insurance company listed on their policy to determine if their coverage is in fact valid. Consumers who wish to file a complaint can contact DIFS toll-free at 877-999-6442.

A copy of the full order of Summary Suspension, Notice of Opportunity for Hearing, and Notice of Intent to Revoke can be viewed at, http://www.michigan.gov/documents/difs/Angela_Swain-Jones_13-11834_439881_7.pdf.