As law enforcement leaders, we have long been speaking out about the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. Far too many of us have witnessed the devastating effects of DUI, responded to horrific crash scenes, and delivered heartbreaking news to parents or loved ones.

While alcohol-impaired driving is still a major concern and responsible for an alarming percentage of traffic deaths each year, drug-impaired driving has become an increasing challenge to public safety on our roadways. A growing body of research is confirming what law enforcement officers and traffic safety experts have suspected for years: many licit, illicit, and over-the-counter drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle.