Nebraska law enforcement cracks down on drug-impaired driving

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) – Over the next few days, you may see more law enforcement out on the roads looking for drugged and impaired drivers.

This is part of a statewide enforcement effort happening now through Sunday.

Drug-impaired driving is a growing and complex problem that involves both illegal and legal substances, including prescription medications.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56% of drivers involved in serious injury and fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug at the time of the crash.

That’s something that Sgt. Troy Schaefer of the Seward County Sheriff’s Office says can go unnoticed.

“A lot of people do not even realize they are impaired,” he said. “With the prescription medications that are out there, if you don’t read that really fine print on there, you may take something, take a new prescription or whatever that may be, and those impairments may be exactly the same as what we are looking for in a DUI. The only difference is people don’t realize they are impaired.”

What is the difference between driving under the influence and driving under the influence of drugs?

Schaefer said that by the law, they are the same, but there is a slight difference.

“The only difference is how we do our investigation between a DUI and a DUID. We do some different things,” he said. “A DUID takes a little longer.”

If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, the officer will conduct a normal field sobriety test.

If the investigation goes further, you will be taken back to the station, where another test and potentially a urine sample will be taken.

He said if you are using a new medication, make sure to double check the side effects.

“Whether it be a prescription medication, or if you see a commercial for a CBD, make sure you educate yourself and know what you are putting in there,” Schaefer said. “Make sure you follow the instructions. Something you may think is not important could very well be important to you, so just educate yourself.”

Dogs are also important during these types of patrols. They are brought in to check for narcotics or illegal substances inside of vehicles.