Related: Pot Breathalyzer Device Holds Promise for Detecting Drug Impairment
Massachusetts Officials Debate Methods for Drugged Driving Tests
A special commission charged with finding a reliable method for testing and prosecuting drugged drivers in Massachusetts met on Aug. 10 to examine all types of impaired driving with the exception of alcohol.

Massachusetts is at the forefront in the nation for developing ways to detect drugged driving.
Photo via U.S. Air Force.
A special commission charged with finding a reliable method for testing and prosecuting drugged drivers in Massachusetts met on Aug. 10 to examine all types of impaired driving with the exception of alcohol, reports the Boston Herald.
One area of debate is whether or not the state’s current spit swab test to detect marijuana violates constitutional rights.
Presently, state police are reviewing the saliva test, but some members of the special commission believe that it raises serious questions about search, seizure, due process, privacy and consent, notes the report.
Because of the lack of chemical tests for drug intoxication similar to Breathalyzers, for example, a nationwide initiative by law enforcement officers has been underway for some time now. Massachusetts State Police have participated in this effort, swabbing approximately 170 motorists at roadside sobriety checks and drug treatment centers, reports the Herald.
State police are compiling a report of data from the swabs, which should be complete sometime in September. Legal experts contend that any chemical test is likely to face challenges, notes the report.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, with retail sales from licensed dealers originally slated to become legal on July 1, but the effort was stalled. Several pot shops have received their initial licenses, however. Legalization in the state occurred in staging, with decriminalization followed by legal medical marijuana before full legalization.
The 13-member commission plans to meet on several more occasions to discuss an array of drug impaired driving issues in addition to the marijuana test. The group is charged with reporting its recommendations to the Legislature by Jan. 1.
More Safety

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New IIHS crash avoidance ratings show uneven performance among cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups, with most struggling to avoid vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →
How Camera Data Can Strengthen a Fleet’s Insurance Renewal
Insights from a commercial insurance carrier and a broker show how fleets can turn video telematic data, driver coaching, and improved claims results into a stronger case at insurance renewal.
Read More →
The Safest Fleets Aren’t the Ones with the Most Technology
You’ve made the telematics investment. Here’s how to capture the other half of its value and build the safest fleet on the road.
Read More →