Posted on 12/13/2004 3:27:24 PM PST by freepatriot32
WINNIPEG (CP) -- Manitoba drivers suspected of being high on drugs will be asked to perform a specific series of tasks, including standing on one leg while counting out loud, under new regulations approved by the NDP government.
"The tests are, by nature, divided attention tests," David Greening, a senior Justice Department policy analyst, said in an interview.
"(Police) can determine if a person is impaired by how they perform on the tests."
The new regulations stem from amendments to the provincial Highway Traffic Act approved by the legislature last spring which are intended to crack down on motorists who drive under the influence of drugs.
While police can use breathalysers to test for alcohol impairment, they do not have machines to test for drug impairment. So the province has had to develop a standardized motor skills test for suspected drug users.
The new regulations spell out three specific tasks that officers must make motorists perform.
The drivers will first be told to look at an object in the officer's hand and follow it as the officer moves it.
Drivers will then be required to walk in a straight line while counting the number of steps out loud, turning around, and taking the same number of steps in return.
Finally, the drivers will have to raise one foot and count out loud while keeping their eyes on the raised foot.
Having a standard test across the province should ensure that drivers are treated fairly, said Greening.
"The advantage of the standardized test is that it's scientifically approved and has been approved by agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States and the International Association of Chiefs of Police," he said.
Those who fail the test can have their vehicles impounded and drivers' licence suspended for 24 hours or more.
Quebec and British Columbia have similar laws.
The issue flared up for provincial governments after the federal government signalled it is preparing to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The provinces have said the change could lead to an increase in drugged drivers.
Police officers across the province are being trained to administer the new roadside test, said Greening.
"I think at this point, roughly over 50 officers have been trained."
shape of things to come ping
You ever been hit by someone that was impaired? My leg still hurts 20 years later.
Wait 'til they stop some politicians who can't pass
this test while sober.
Well, can he play the spoons
Make music with his armpits
Little animals from balloons
Can he whistle Dixie
While eating crackers
And covering one eye
Can he love you
Half as much as I?
Go ahead and lock me up. I cannot stand on one foot nor can I walk a straight line. Haven't been able to since the labyrinthectomy that removed the gyroscope from the left side of my head.
Guess I might get lucky and win the lawsuit lottery if I fall and bust my pumpkin.
Yeah I will have to go to Jail too, I have to sit down now to put on my underwear.
Get all drunked-up, and have a friend administer the tests to you. Repeat until you can master the tasks, even when on a full-blown bender.
Or better yet, stay off the roads when you're buzzed. Hey! What a wonderful idea!
Sucks, doesn't it?
Get out of the car.
Stretch out your arms and touch your nose with your finger.
Now walk this white line.
HALT! Come back.
On your hands!
One hand!
Now do a rollover, turnover and flip-flop!
Alright. Now juggle these, do a tap dance and sing the Catalina Magdalena Luptenschteiner Volunbeiner song!
Well, I don't HAVE to sit down to put on my underwear, but, what the hell, it's a lot easier. And, if you're in jail, and gotta choose between sitting down to put on your underwear or bending over to do it...
Don't feel bad. I've done that my whole life. Even taking shoes off, I sit on the floor because I can't balance myself on one foot and barely can stand on two.
It's still not as bad as the Austrian drunk driving test.
Do tell.
Damn - you beat me.
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