Gardaí get extra powers to combat drink-driving

GARDAÍ are to be given extra powers to carry out drink-driving tests on motorists who speed as part of a new road safety strategy by the Government.

Currently, the blood/alcohol levels of drivers can only be tested if gardaí think they are drunk. But under legislation to be introduced this autumn, gardaí will be allowed to automatically test all drivers involved in road traffic offences, from speeding to car accidents.

Around 800 handheld intoxilyzers, which are used to breathalyse drivers, have been ordered so gardaí will be able to carry out the extra testing. "There are around 700 garda stations, so if you take out some of the smaller, one-man stations, that leaves around two to three intoxilzyers for a big station, which would be sufficient," a garda spokesman said.