Just image the anxiety level you are feeling when those almost blue flashing lights show as you are headed home with the sound of some concert still running through your head. You grip the steering wheel tightened, and preparing for a test on the roadsides, “here we go.”

Even though it’s not as wonderfully fun as a park, going through a drug impairment test is also not rocket science. Between a cop and a driver, this match is like a drama that was never rehearsed. Some might say it is nothing but a nice combination of science and investigation, with a very little lab coat accuracy and a little Sherlock Holmes riddle solving thrown in.

The test reads off as if from a baking recipe book. The show is stolen from stars such as the nystagmus test, checking for eye movement & the legendary walk-and-turn where you get to ‘disco your way through the motions. These tests are designed to catch out any drugs that might be causing you’re brain to not fire on all cylinders if you know what I mean. It’s a swing and a miss though at times as even if you are boogieing like Michael Jackson, your unusual gaits, exhaustion or just a weird day could skew the results.

Some may simply say “just avoid it at all costs,” brushing aside everything otherwise. Every test is an indication of personal liberties butting against the necessities of the road safety they’d assure. This isn’t aprticularly for the usual young adult who drives carelessly. It’s about all of us in the common space, trying to balance public safety and personal freedom like a weaving tapestry.

These tests are in place as a means of controlling the tug of war between the legal system, politeness, and various lifestyles; and they are here to stay. So do understand it is a dance seen everywhere—a magic that assures we all remain uninjured while you are chanting the alphabets backwards as you gearing up for a possible test. Stay curious; drive carefully, stay sober.