Although most people think about alcohol when they hear the phrase “DUI,” this acronym actually stands for driving under the influence of anything that alters your ability to operate a vehicle properly. In other words, you can be arrested for a DUI if you drive after getting drunk or high. However, the breathalyzer tests that are used throughout the U.S. are only able to determine if a driver has alcohol in their system. In order to test for drugs, the police officer has to take a suspect to the hospital or an approved clinic for a blood test.
A New Type of Breathalyzer Test
A Swedish developer has recently unveiled a new breathalyzer test that can detect the presence of 12 controlled substances, including marijuana, heroin, morphine, cocaine and methamphetamine. This revolutionary new device has been tested at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and it successfully detected the presence of drugs on the breath of several patients. If U.S. lawmakers agree to make the usage of these breathalyzers legal in each state, it will have big ramifications for people who indulge in recreational drugs.
Will the New Breathalyzer be Used in America?
It is difficult to say whether or not the U.S. will quickly latch onto the idea of using a breathalyzer test that can determine if a driver is high or drunk. However, the opportunity that this test presents cannot be ignored, and it is likely that these devices will eventually be used across the entire country. After all, this revamped breathalyzer test will make it much easier for a police officer to determine whether or not they should make a DUI arrest. Because DUIs are responsible for approximately 40 percent of all of the annual traffic fatalities, it is in everyone’s best interests for the law enforcement officers to have this tool in their arsenal.
What are the Complications of a Tester Launch?
One of the issues that is certain to complicate the decision of whether or not to legalize the Swedish breathalyzer test is the fact that so many people have been exonerated in the U.S. due to calibration issues with the standard test. After all, if the legal system does not have much faith in the current breathalyzer test, it is certain to cast a wary eye on a device that does not have as much field testing. On the other hand, if Swedish police officers use the new breathalyzer with a high level of success, this might convince U.S. lawmakers to legalize the device for testing purposes.
Regardless of whether an officer uses a standard breathalyzer or the new version, it is important to avoid driving while you are intoxicated. After all, if you are pulled over, you will face a long list of legal and financial issues. It is also important to remember that certain tourist areas, including Orlando, place a big emphasis on arresting drunk drivers. DUI lawyers in Orange County FL see clients who’ve gotten DUI’s on vacation quite often, indicating that everyone who imbibes should always use a designated driver or alternative transportation. However, if you do get arrested for a DUI, it is crucial to call an attorney immediately.
Even if you consume marijuana legally, you are still required to stay away from the driver’s seat while you are under the influence. In other words, if the new breathalyzer is legalized and it indicates you have marijuana in your system, you can still get a DUI. If you are required to take a drug test, the Macujo method is a way to remove traces of cocaine, weed, and alcohol from hair. The process entails a mixture of baking soda and apple cider vinegar. More on that here: https://www.anpud.org/blog/macujo-jerry-g-method/
Author Anthony Joseph likes writing about new technology advancements in the field of law enforcement. DUI lawyers in Orange County FL from the firm of Katz & Phillips have both the knowledge and experience it takes to win DUI cases. The laws in Florida can be strict, but having a DUI attorney can ensure that you’re being protected all the way around.