Ticketing for Suspected Drugged Driving in New York Could Become More Accurate

Authorities in New York are trying to crackdown on drugged driving. State legislators recently started pushing for a swab test that would allow officers to test for drug use during a traffic stop. Law officials and policymakers believe this will greatly reduce citations for driving while ability impaired by drugs.

In New York State, the number of arrests of drivers operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs has increased by nearly 35 percent over the last decade. This may be an indication that law enforcement has already been getting much more aggressive about arresting people suspected of drugged driving.

Senator Charles Schumer of New York has teamed up with a senator from Arkansas to create a proposal that would grant federal funding to help educate officers about drug-induced behavior, as well as create a test that would help enforcement agents identify drugged drivers. When someone uses prescription drugs or illegal drugs, body chemistry is affected, and one’s ability to drive is altered. Often drivers aren’t even aware of how the drugs affect their driving.

If the proposal were to pass, law enforcement officials across the nation would become better educated about drugged driving. As police become more aware of the outward signs of drug use, traffic stops will likely result in more accurate ticketing. The judicial system may also have more confidence in the validity of these tickets, which could take the guessing game out of charges and drugged driving tickets. On one hand, this could make it more difficult to defend against DWAI charges. But on the other hand, it could mean that fewer people will be wrongfully charged with drugged driving.

If you are charged with DWAI or a related charge, speak with an experienced New York traffic defense attorney.