Driving can be difficult at the best of times thanks to all kinds of distractions but add drugs into the mix and you're truly dancing with the devil. That's the message An Garda Síochána has for drivers with the announcement of roadside drug testing in Ireland today.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross, who made the announcement earlier this morning said this means officers can now test motorists for both alcohol and drugs at checkpoints.
So what are they testing for? If you get stopped, your saliva will be tested for cannabis, cocaine, opiates including heroin and morphine and benzodiazepines, which include valium.
According to the press release, the MBRS has found that of the 3,020 tests received in 2016, 24% confirmed positive for drugs other than alcohol. Of these, 91% were specimens from male drivers, mainly aged between 17 and 44. Cannabis was the most popular drug detected, followed by benzodiazepines.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Ross, said the introduction of Preliminary Drug Testing is an important step in tackling drug driving: "Driving under the influence of drugs has been an offence in Ireland since 1961. The law states that a person must not be impaired (through alcohol, drugs or any combination of both) while driving or in charge of a vehicle. However, driving under the influence of drugs remains a problem in Ireland. It is estimated that drug driving is a factor in approximately one in ten fatal crashes. Drug driving not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and others who share the road".
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Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Roads Policing and Major Event/Emergency Management, stated that: "There will be 86 drug screening devices located in Garda stations nationally and 50 more available for use at the roadside. Over time up to 150 devices will be available for use at the roadside. While the test will take longer to conduct than the roadside test for alcohol, the test is easy to carry out and within minutes will tell if a driver has drugs in their system".
So lads, don't be an eejit - get someone else to drive if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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