On March 20, 2013, Thomas and Barbara Swift were tragically killed in upper Michigan State by a log truck driver who ran a red light striking their vehicle in the intersection, killing Thomas upon impact with Barbara succumbing to her injuries three days later. The causing driver was operating on a suspended license, no CDL, reportedly driving recklessly prior to the collision, and was under the influence of cannabis<\/em><\/strong>. Their son, Brian Swift, embarked on a journey of change to address impaired driving laws in his home state. Having worked in politics for many years, he formed a small coalition of key stakeholders who helped pass Michigan Public Act 242 and 243 in 2016, affectionately known as the Thomas and Barbara Swift Act. These two acts authorized a pilot study for law enforcement officers to use roadside oral fluid screening in five counties and a year later authorized use for all Michigan counties. The coalition was successful, and members wanted to expand their reach and capacity, hence the idea for the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving was born. Brian currently serves as the NASID spokesperson. Read more about Brian\u2019s Story \u2013 National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (nasid.org)<\/a><\/p>\n The National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID<\/a>) is a broad coalition established and led by Responsibility.org to eliminate all forms of impaired driving, especially multiple substance impaired driving, through effective and proven measures such as DUI system reform, DUI detection, enhanced toxicology testing, and improved use of data and technology. Our members<\/a> include a broad array of organizations dedicated to preventing impaired driving. Ron Replogle \u2013 MADD National Law Enforcement Initiatives Manager, currently serves on the NASID Board.<\/p>\n NASID provides national leadership in identifying and promoting solutions to impaired driving, including expanded chemical testing among impaired drivers, training for criminal justice practitioners, toxicology lab capacity, improvement and programs to increase the likelihood of recovery, and reductions in recidivism. Our work includes state and federal advocacy efforts, public awareness and education, and state implementation of effective programs. Multiple substance items in the most recent transportation authorization bill were advocated by NASID and its many partners.<\/p>\n Data Drives the Narrative<\/strong><\/p>\n In traffic safety, data drives the narrative. Tragically fatal crashes in the US climbed to 42,915 in 2021, a 10.5% increase from 2020 and is the highest number of traffic fatalities in 16 years. Historically, police-reported, alcohol-involved crashes account for 33% of the total. In 2021, this causal factor rose 16% from 2019 to 2020 and increased another 5% from 2020 to 2021, according<\/a> to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Alcohol impaired driving will always be a priority for NASID and Responsibility.org, however, the increases in drugged driving require focus and prioritization at all levels. A few data points to consider in realizing the magnitude of this issue:<\/p>\n NASID Priorities and Strategic Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n NASID was officially organized in July of 2021 and during their first conference members and attendees identified the following priorities and recommendations:<\/p>\n As a result, NASID established a National Strategic Framework focusing on the following nine areas: Data Improvement, Training, Law Enforcement, Toxicology, Legislation\/Policy, Education, Funding, Oral Fluid, Behavior Framework \u2013 National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (nasid.org)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Solutions and Training<\/strong><\/p>\n NASID has identified several solutions or countermeasures to address multiple substance impaired driving Solutions \u2013 National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (nasid.org)<\/a><\/p>\n NASID partnered with the National District Attorney\u2019s Association National Traffic Law Center on several trainings to include:<\/p>\n Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n State Cannabis Laws Map <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Governors Highway Safety Association and Responsibility.org State Grants 2022<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *Keep your eyes out for grant announcements at the start of the new year for the 2023 grant application process.<\/p>\n Oral Fluid Roadside Screening Work Shops or Summits <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Oral Fluid screening devices are reliable, fast, non-invasive, and able to detect recent (within 4 hours) of drug use. These devices can be used at the roadside to identify the presence of drugs among impaired drivers Oral-Fluid-Screening.pdf (responsibility.org)<\/a>. NASID has resources available to host an oral fluid roadside screening workshop or summit in your state or jurisdiction to help show the benefits of this new and emerging technology to help identify potential drugged drivers.<\/p>\n NASID Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n NASID will host our second national summit focused on multiple substance impaired driving prevention July 27-29, 2022, at the Hilton Washington, DC National Mall NASID Conference 2022 \u2013 National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving<\/a>. The summit will convene the nation\u2019s foremost experts to examine the challenges and complexities of multiple substance impaired driving. Topics will include the National Road Safety Strategy safe systems approach, advanced technology to prevent impaired driving, public awareness campaigns, standardization of chemical testing protocols, and a policymaker roundtable.<\/p>\n NASID Membership <\/strong><\/p>\n Get involved with NASID and join with us in this important work of promoting change to save lives! Those interested in joining the Alliance must join Responsibility.org\u2019s Corporate Partner Program as a Corporate Patron<\/strong> or Responsibility Champion<\/strong> and select NASID as their primary initiative. The Alliance is available to join as a corporate entity, non-profit, or individual. To request more information, learn about the Alliance, or connect with the NASID team, please fill out the contact form below. For more information, please view partnership information here<\/a>. If you would like to speak with a member of our team directly, please contact Manager of Member Relations, Joey Ford, at Joey.Ford@responsibility.org<\/a> or NASDI Director Darrin.grondel@Responsibility.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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