Senator calls for random testing to crack down on drug driving

CALLS have been made for the introduction of random roadside drug testing after research revealed that up to 70% of erratic drivers were under the influence of substances other than alcohol.

Fine Gael senator Fergal Browne wants testing procedures that have been adopted in Australia to be used by gardaí.

He said: “I do appreciate that some people are taking drugs for medical reasons, but if you are going home this evening and somebody ploughs straight into you because they are affected by anti-depressants it will be cold comfort to your family when you are dead.

“I know that it is a difficult issue but that is why I want this to be done with the involvement of the proper medical authorities.”

The UCD study was carried out on people stopped by gardaí for driving erratically. It showed that the majority had taken cannabis or prescribed medication.

It recommended that the government begin an education and awareness programme to raise the profile of drug-related dangers while driving.

Sen Browne says that there is not enough information in the public domain on the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and he echoed the UCD study in calling for a greater focus on education.

“People are taking drugs for recreational reasons and there is a growing drug problem.

“There has been success with the drink driving particularly among younger drivers.... it is about making the same effort for drugs.

“It is also about informing GPs and looking at issues involving prescribed drugs. It needs an aggressive advertising campaign,” he said.

Gardaí have been carrying out tests on all road fatalities in Ireland this year and are using toxicology reports to assess the impact that drug taking is having in serious traffic accidents.

It is expected to release the results of this study in the autumn and gardaí say that they hope to have measures in place to tackle drug driving within the next year.