Michigan drug testing programme to become state-wide

Since 1st October 2019, the Michigan drug testing program, using saliva tests to check for drugs, has expanded to become state-wide.

The tests check for the presence of the following drugs:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Marijuana

The programme began in the counties of Kent, Berrien, St. Clair, Delta, and Washtenaw.

The Michigan State Police reports that the administers of the test receive specialised training.

The pilot programme ran from November 2017 to November 2018.

According to the Michigan State Police, expanding the programme will allow more drug testing experts to assist with traffic stops.

The arrest of offenders is expected to contribute to decreasing serious injury and crashes in Michigan.

Of the 92 drug tests performed in the pilot period, 89 drivers were arrested.

A 2013 crash involving a truck driver crossing a red light and hitting a vehicle served as the main inspiration behind the launch of the programme.

The accident led to the death of two people.

At the time, the driver was under the influence of marijuana.

The Michigan State Police counted 98 drug-impaired traffic fatalities in 2007, while there were 246 in 2017.

In December 2018, lawmakers invested $626,000 towards expanding the programme.

The police will rely on oral fluid tests to determine offending drivers.

Drivers will be asked to consent to a non-invasive oral fluid swab or to choose a blood draw instead.