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."
You beat me!!!!! I was two busy looking for the Damm Pic, LOL!
lol
My father was pulled over one time and administered a roadside impairment test. The test began with the officer asking him to say the alphabet backwards beginning from W, without pausing, start now. No joke. I am stone cold sober and could not do this if you paid me.
I had A Fl hwy Patrol take away my cruches (one leg in cast from hip to toes from drunk driver) and expected me to preform same tests. Local cop came by and reconized me, otherwise I was going in. 5 years sober at that point, swerved when my infant son vomited on me from car seat. State cop said I was "falling down drunk"
Oh the job of dreams. Being an asshole cop.
It always amazes me how many people are stupid enough to accommodate the "performing monkey" request.
Even if it weren't so demeaning, why would you volunteer to possibly incriminate yourself? You may be required to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test (if probable cause exists), but field sobriety tests (aka, performing monkey tests) are 100% optional.
Just tell the officer, hell no!
--Boot Hill
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
No speak English. Get me interpreter. No understand Mr. Policeman. Show me.
Anyone who follows these commands should be charged with having too much dopamine in their system.
I thought coming back on one hand was the funniest part.
I would put my hands on my hips and do a Riverdance tap dance while reciting the alphabet starting with Z. That would totally trump the stupid test and entertain the drivers at the same time.
LOL! Me too...
Way easier than the Brothers Against Drunk Driving sobriety test: say the alphabet backwards, skipping all the vowels, and give the sign language version for each letter as you go past.
Manitoba, Mississippi. Stand on one leg,stand on an egg balanced upon a wedge of iceburg lettuce. Nothing makes any difference. If alcohol is not evil in your world view you will lose. So far you can stay home as long as the lights are out .
The Canadian program is actually less intrusive then the coming U.S. law.
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