semi driver in fatal, 'on' marijuana

[copobo]

so does this mean his piss test was positive, or that he was ripped at the time of the accident? 'had been smoking marijuana' - when? while he was driving? a half hour ago? yesterday? 2 weeks ago??

--

Semi driver smoking pot during Commerce City double fatal - The Denver Post

A semi-tractor trailer driver had been smoking marijuana when he crossed into oncoming lanes and caused a fiery crash with a dump truck that killed himself and the other driver earlier this year.

Daniel Seilheimer, 41, of Colorado Springs, was driving a bobtail tractor for England Trucking south on Quebec Parkway on May 27 when he veered into the oncoming lane at the 7500 block and collided head-on with a Waste Management truck.

Both trucks burst into flame and Seilheimer and George Mendoza, 52, were killed, said Chris Dickey, spokesman for the Commerce City police department.

A later toxicology test determined that Seilheimer was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the accident, Dickey said.

"His ability to safely operate a motor vehicle was significantly impaired," he said.

It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including medical marijuana, Dickey said. Authorities do not know whether Seilheimer was authorized to use medical marijuana.

copobo Reviewed by copobo on 07-21-2010. semi driver in fatal, 'on' marijuana so does this mean his piss test was positive, or that he was ripped at the time of the accident? 'had been smoking marijuana' - when? while he was driving? a half hour ago? yesterday? 2 weeks ago?? -- Semi driver smoking pot during Commerce City double fatal - The Denver Post A semi-tractor trailer driver had been smoking marijuana when he crossed into oncoming lanes and caused a fiery crash with a dump truck that killed himself and the other driver earlier this year. Daniel Rating: 5

[irydyum]

I'm with you, how can they determine a dead guy was under the influence at a specific time?

Also, how in the hell can the authorities NOT know if he's a patient? Aren't patients registered? Would it really take that much legwork on their part to put a truthful answer to the question of his legality?

Either way, it's a shame.

[Zedleppelin]

A blood test can determine if a person is under the influence, or high, unlike urine tests.

[copobo]

I didn't know that. wonder if a blood test can tell if ~I~ am high?

like, for instance, when first taking some anti-depressants or sleep aids, they can have side effects that could alter your driving ability, but after awhile, the side effects dissipate and driving is fine. what about someone who's been smoking daily for ~30 years? (or much less!)

I'm sure a person like that would have plenty in their blood... but 15 minutes after smoking a j, rest assured, the buzz is gone.

[Zedleppelin]

Well from what I know, and I researched it extensively after someone I know was in a fatal car crash (they smoked the night before) I found that when any substance is in the blood stream then you are under the influence of that substance, as soon as it leaves the bloodstream then you are no longer. After leaving the bloodstream thc becomes stored in your fatty tissues and is eliminated slowly through urine.

The person I know that this happened to was in a fatal car accident at around 7AM and she had smoked around midnight the night before. Anytime there is a fatality involved they automatically take blood and test it for drugs and alcohol, so she was really freaked out about it. The test came back negative thank god.

[HighPopalorum]

*shrug*

I was in a rollover crash to which marijuana use was a contributing factor many years ago. The driver dropped a joint in her lap and off the edge we went. It wouldn't surprise me if the crash happened while the driver was fiddling with lighters or pipes.

[cologrower420]

A blood test can determine if a person is under the influence, or high, unlike urine tests.

I think you are incorrect. Can you cite a source?

[copobo]

norml seems to be down.

here's the cached version:
Drug Testing Tips - NORML

learn something new every day.

BLOOD TESTS: In some situations, including accidents and roadside sobriety checks, blood tests may be used. Blood tests are a much better gauge of current impairment than urine tests because they detect the actual presence of THC in the system; however, they can be sensitive to other metabolites as well. Blood tests generally register positive for just a few hours after smoking, though heavy chronic smokers may be positive for a couple of days. Less sensitive are saliva tests, which register positive for about 2-4 hours after smoking. If you have used marijuana in the last few days but are not currently under the influence, you should insist on a blood (or saliva) test instead of a urine test if at all possible, since you are more likely to turn up clean. On the other hand, if you have smoked recently, you may do better to take a urine test, since this will at least leave open the question as to whether you were under the influence. Also, urine doesn't turn positive until several minutes after smoking.

[cologrower420]

Interesting.

[Zedleppelin]

I guess the lesson here is if you are high and a cop pulls you over and suspects you may be high don't let them take a blood test, although I think in some states you may not have a choice. I remember reading an article where in at least one state cops carried a kit with them and could literally force you to give blood on the spot. The day I live in a society where cops can legally force a needle in me is the day I find a new place to live.