Picture: it’s midnight, lights flash like nowhere and officer nears a car with that sure feeling that something is off about the driver. But there’s no hint of alcohol, no empty bottles so… What next? Enter the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). These are the Sherlock Holmes’ of the highway, who are able to identify a driver whose driving is under influence of drugs.

DREs are not just your regular officers. They go through intense training that go much deeper than the usual investigation. It’s not a game of guessing. Instead, they follow an outline of 12 things to do which cover behavior, vital signs checks, and series of tests. It’s like a doctor is examining you beside the road.

I remember one story from my friend Charlie. He was pulled over one night for his erratic, oddly made worse driving. Claim “totally tired”. Gets a DRE assessment, and the truth came to light – drugs. “Then you have been drinking!” Retort from Charlie and DRE replied “No, but you are loaded Charlie took it in stride after all these years, has a lot of respect for the unit that found his problem

DREs are the heroes we deserve. Road safety isn’t just about nabbing speeders running wild weekend. It’s identifying those impaired by something else entirely. Breathalyzers might get alcohol, but DREs clue in on a wide range of drugs, a response needed greater since prescription and recreational drug use is on the rise.

So, next time your tires hit on asphalt, think-what if the person near you is impaired, but without the alcohol. Experts are out on the road amid the clutter and chaos, keeping everyone safe with utmost precision. When you’re cut off by a sports car or rolling next to a classic, vintage car.. you’d be thankful to see a DRE.