Find Out How Law Enforcement is Using New Technology to Test Motorists for Marijuana and Other Drugs

Learn about the new tactics to help law enforcement prevent driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.

Driving under the influence is dangerous. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a third of traffic-related deaths are a result of crashes caused by drivers under the influence. Alcohol impairment is a major concern when it comes to public safety on the road. However, since the legalization of recreational marijuana in California, law enforcement has had new challenges in preventing motorists from driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs. Testing for marijuana and other drugs has proved to be more difficult than testing for alcohol.

New Testing Technology.

Beginning in March, the San Diego police have adopted a new system to test drivers for drug use. The Dräger DrugTest 5000 is a machine that uses a cotton swab to test for the presence of seven different types of drugs ranging from marijuana to methamphetamine to opiates. The test then reports on whether the drug is present. It wonâ't, however, indicate how much of the substance is in the userâ's bloodstream. For more precise results, a blood test is still needed.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana.

Unlike alcohol, it is more difficult to determine the level of intoxication when it comes to marijuana. Since its legalization, it has presented new problems in enforcing safe limits for driving. While thereâ's a set threshold for alcohol limits, there is no legal limit for marijuana. Since the legalization of marijuana in states like Washington and Colorado, there has been an increase in motorists driving under the influence of drugs. Such occurrences pose the question of how to best monitor and enforce safe limits so that the roads stay safe. When it comes to your safety on the road, avoid driving under the influence. For protection for your vehicle, invest in the right auto insurance. For help finding the right policies, contact the professionals at Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse, Inc. Located in Oakland & Pleasant Hill, California, we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs.