Michigan Swift Check pilot program expands statewide

This month, the Michigan State Police launched its statewide pilot test of the “Swift Check,” an oral fluid roadside test that quickly checks impaired drivers for up to six different types of drugs. The test isn’t used as evidence in court, but it does provide law enforcement with information on the presence of drugs in a driver’s system. When coupled with other observations of driving and standardized field sobriety tests, oral fluid samples can help law enforcement officers decide to move forward with evidential drug testing (if warranted). More than 100 Michigan drug recognition experts are participating in the expanded pilot program.

Michigan is the first state to legislatively authorize an oral fluid pilot program and expand it statewide. The results of this second phase of the pilot test certainly position Michigan as a leader in fighting drug-impaired driving. Our state map has more information on where oral fluid tests are used and what drugs are most frequently detected among drivers in your state.

The 2016 pilot program legislation was named in honor of Barbara J. Swift, and Thomas J. Swift, who were killed by a tractor-trailer truck driver impaired by marijuana. Their son, Brian Swift, advocated for the bill’s passage and Responsibility.org is pleased to present Brian with a traffic safety award later this year for his advocacy work. We applaud Michigan legislators for their leadership and urge them to make the law permanent in 2020.