Jobaaj Stories
Nebraska's DREs Combat Rising Drug-Impaired Driving
Nebraska faces a growing challenge: a significant increase in drivers under the influence of drugs. While drunk driving remains a concern, with an average BAC of .167% for those arrested, drug-impaired driving is surging. This is where Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) play a crucial role.
The Rise of Drug-Impaired Driving
Nationally, alcohol-related DWI arrests are declining, but drug-related arrests are skyrocketing. In Nebraska, Lt. Joe Milos, a 31-year DRE veteran, confirms this trend. He reports cannabis as the most prevalent drug, followed by stimulants and depressants. “There’s a myth that cannabis improves driving, but studies prove otherwise,” Milos emphasizes.
The Rigorous DRE Certification
Becoming a DRE is exceptionally demanding. It's the only law enforcement certification requiring a perfect score on exams. Milos's three decades of experience highlight the increasing prevalence of drug-impaired drivers, raising concerns about DWIs and the unregulated nature of products like Delta-8.
Beyond the Road: DREs in Popular Culture
The term "DRE" also appears in other contexts. For example, Andre “Sugar Dre” Donovan recently won a boxing championship, celebrating his victory with his new title belt. Additionally, the upcoming film "Heads of State" cleverly uses Dr. Dre's music to underscore the film's theme of unlikely alliances, mirroring the collaboration between DREs and other law enforcement agencies in combating impaired driving.
Conclusion: The Importance of DREs
Drug-impaired driving is a serious and growing problem in Nebraska and nationwide. The highly skilled DREs are essential in identifying and removing these dangerous drivers from the road. Their rigorous training and expertise are critical in protecting public safety. Further awareness of the dangers of drug-impaired driving is crucial to combat this escalating issue.
