Sir, will you step out of the car ... words you don't want to hear

As I rolled down the window, the officer leaned down and stated, "I’m informing you, that you’re being recorded. I clocked you at 70 miles per hour in a 55; could I see your license, registration and proof of insurance please?"

No one in their right mind ever wants to hear those words! No matter the situation, it’s uncomfortable. Even ignoring the potential fine, it could result in much higher insurance costs. Worse yet are the words, "Sir, will you step out of the car?"

First thing I did was, interrupt his comment and replied "no problem" to the part of his notification that I was being recorded. As he continued, I began to nod my head agreeing that I’d sped and immediately followed with an explanation why.

I can imagine how nervous I’d have been, had I been impaired.

I had to have been and looked very disheveled - - - he agreed.

When I told him I’d just spent 3 days on the ocean and I was physically torn up and exhausted, his reply was, "I can see that."

"Huh", I thought immediately. Guess it was obvious, all the way down to the burger sauce slopped down the front of my t-shirt. Still, his response caught me off guard – an indication as to part of what I’d learn a couple days later.

The odd part was, the timing. I had already set up an appointment to interview (for this column):
Senior Officer and Drug Evaluation Classification Program Coordinator, Michael Iwai of the Oregon State Police.

Of course, mentioning the pending appointment, would be like dropping names, trying to see if it would help to get out of a ticket – a real "No-No." (I’m from Chicago, the land of crooked cops - I know better than to even utter any statement that might make an officer question whether I was even broaching the unethical, so I kept my mouth shut about that.)

Wednesday, after my drive down to Salem, Michael was going about explaining how unlikely it is that the officer would miss any signs of possible impaired driving - - - I’d just asked a pointed question.

As part of Michael’s answer, the trooper’s comment on highway 20, ("I can see that."), immediately came back to me. From the instant the trooper had pulled in behind me and ‘lit me up’ he’d been observing ... looking for signs.

These men are trained to do their job in such a way … they don’t miss a thing, and Michael, is the man who just happens to facilitate that. The irony of the timing of the situation though, did not escape me. Michael’s precise and thorough explanations and answers made me see how he was the right man for the job he’s in and how well he trains the troopers in the field.
 

No two ways about it; Michael’s job is to make the roads safer … to take the impaired drivers off the streets and highways; Michael and the men he trains are extremely good at what they do; trust me.

If you drive impaired, read these two articles closely! Better yet, … best would be, you understand, don’t let impulses get the best of you - plan ahead, and never drive impaired again.

It’s past time to wake up; there’s a relatively new, and awesome enforcement tool each of the 205 troopers trained so far, have as their foundation. Years ago, there may have been gaps in the officers’ training; there are no more "gaps".

This training gives an incredible insight into the impaired drug user. It’s no longer just about alcohol. Because of Michael’s training, this new Drug Evaluation Classification Program (DECP) they’re each a "Drug Recognition Expert." That’s not just a title … it's there because they've qualified in a comprehensive program; it consists of hours of rigorous training … the same program exists across 45 states - foreign nations as well.

If you’ve crossed the line, and been taken into custody, after the 12-step investigation, the DRE officer will even be able to tell you, … what category of drug, or specific drug you’re high on! The training has reached that high and precise a level.

This program, the passion and professionalism of Michael and the other DRE / troopers, and the harsh penalties for those found guilty, have significantly improved the safety on our highways. Again, trust me; if you drive impaired you’ll be sorry.

My question to Michael had been lengthy, but poignant:
 

"Do you think medical marijuana cardholders, should drive? …would it help to have their driver’s licenses flagged (it’s something I’ve been lobbying for) ... so that the troopers would know that the driver is a medical marijuana card-holder … could it alert the trooper that maybe they ought to look a bit closer at the driver?"

Michael’s all business, but for a moment, a quick smile crossed his demeanor. The naivete of my question, had warranted that. He began to answer - he’d already explained the 12-step examination to me, but that would be after they’ve determined this person is a likely DUII subject – this question, had to do with before …

His point was – now, with the training (because of this program), they don’t miss a thing – they don’t need your license 'flagged' if you’re a medical marijuana card-holder; they’re totally confident that if you are driving impaired, they’ll pick up any signs that would indicate that you are impaired. There are neurological and physiological signs you’ll have, … signs they’ll observe … signs that just cannot be hidden – they’re that observant … and they’re always looking for signs.

Impaired driving is clearly a crime – it is NOT an "accident". In fact, it’s one of America’s most-often-committed and deadliest crimes. If you’re impaired, they want you off the road. So do I.

More tomorrow – don’t start your weekend without it.