Call for new roadside drug test

[Pure]

Call for new roadside drug test

 

[Posted: Tue 22/08/2006]

 

Roadside drug testing technology, which is already in use in Australia, should be introduced here, Fine Gael has said.

 

The party was responding to a report by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which found that around 70% of erratic drivers who are stopped by the Gardai are under the influence of drugs.

 

According to the report, cannabis and prescription medicines that affect the ability to drive, were the most common types of drug used by drivers. Cannabis was most likely to have been used by young male drivers, while middle-aged men were more likely to be on prescription drugs, such as antidepressants.

 

 

Commenting on the report, Fine Gael's Senator Fergal Browne, said he was 'not shocked' by the results and acknowledged the difficulties involved in drug testing.

 

"Given that drug driving involves a wide range of substances, it is very difficult to test for such a wide range of drugs, compared to the simplicity of the alcohol test. That is why this issue needs to be highlighted, as many users of legal prescription drugs will not be aware of the dangers", Senator Browne said.

 

However he pointed out that Australia has been using new technology to test for cannabis and amphetamines. The test involves a saliva swab and the technology is accurate enough to identify possible drug users, who can then be brought in for more accurate testing.

 

"Given that cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs, I would urge the Government to immediately consider importing this technology to Ireland. It should also liaise with the UK authorities, which are conducting a pilot test on a broad-ranging drug test of drivers", Senator Browne said.

 

He also urged the Government to begin discussions with medical experts and representative bodies about the issue of driving on prescription drugs, 'in order to determine which drugs are high risk and whether certain levels are acceptable'.

 

Source Article

[pipeman]

He also urged the Government to begin discussions with medical experts and representative bodies about the issue of driving on prescription drugs, 'in order to determine which drugs are high risk and whether certain levels are acceptable'.

 

lets hope these studies determine mj does not impair driver safety. I believe there are already studies out there that show this...

[HighRising]

what bullshit!

 

there's nothing better than a sunday cruise down the highways with some good blues CDs and a doobie or two

[67Special]

I couldn't agree more highrising!

 

which found that around 70% of erratic drivers who are stopped by the Gardai are under the influence of drugs.

Source Article

 

I spend about an hour on the highway 5 days a week and about 80% of the erratic drivers that I encounter are over 60 and usually driving campervans or towing monstrous caravans.

 

imo, roadside testing should focus more on reflex and concentration abilities.

 

Over the years I've clocked up a shitload of k's ripped behind the wheel, yet most of my serious mistakes have been while straight & sober!

I always take more care when I'm stoned

and if I'm too ripped to drive safely I'm not even interested in driving.

 

Drive safe & Stay stoned

Edited August 23, 2006 by 67Special

[Bundy]

Over the years I've clocked up a shitload of k's ripped behind the wheel, yet most of my serious mistakes have been while straight & sober!

 

all of my mistakes have been while straight...go figure