SIOUX FALLS, SD - The latest data shows that each day, 30 people die from an alcohol-related crash on U.S. roads, but it's not just alcohol that can pose a threat to other drivers. "We're having the interaction with them and looking for any kind of impairment. If it's alcohol, if it's illegal drugs or prescription drugs. Just looking for all those indicators of different influences," South Dakota Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Schade said. Saturation checkpoints can be an effective way to keep impaired drivers of all types off the roads. Of the 1,950 drivers that made their way through the checkpoint, only one person was arrested for a drug-related charge. It's a low number on this night, but officers still believe that connection with drugs is becoming an even bigger issue.
"The officers are getting more education and training and recognizing different impairments. Back in the day, we just used to know about alcohol and that was it. Now, we have more training on indicators of prescription drugs and illegal drugs," Sgt. Schade said.
That training is adding another layer of awareness during these kind of stops. They want to be able to move drivers along quickly, but sometimes that just doesn't work out.
"Obviously, the odor of any kind of drug would be an indicator. Aside from that, the officers aren't just going to start digging into the car unless they have evidence of something actually in there," Sgt. Schade said.
Drivers are protected to a point through a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that says a stop can't exceed the time needed to handle the matter without extra evidence. However, if the situation presents itself, officers will pull drivers aside for an extra search of the car.
When asked about the situation developing at the Santee Sioux tribe in Flandreau, Sgt. Schade says as far as the Highway Patrol is concerned, it is a wait and see situation.
It's still unclear how the tribe's decision to legalize marijuana will impact their work.
"I guess I won't comment on that portion of the tribe and what they have decided to do. We'll just wait and see what happens there," Sgt. Schade said.
Even though officers believe the drug-related arrests from traffic stops is on the rise, they still say the top reason for pulling people aside during sobriety checkpoints continues to be alcohol.
