Gardai step up drug-drive testing

Motorists suspected of drink-driving are being automatically tested for traces of illegal drugs under a new Gardai crackdown.

The move comes after figures showed the number ‘‘drugged drivers’’ was on the increase and fears that enforcement was less stringent.

Previously, gardai would only order a special test if they thought drugs had impaired a driver’s ability.

A road safety expert said today the drugs which suspects were being tested for would reduce reaction times and make drivers less able to judge distance and speed.

But if the new campaign was to be successful, new laws would need to be introduced to allow the courts to punish drugged drivers, said Denis Cusack, head of the medical bureau of road safety at University College Dublin.

‘‘At present there is no limit set for drugs as there is for alcohol,’’ he said.

‘‘It is still very much based on the opinion of an individual garda that a person was incapable of driving and under the influence of drugs.

‘‘The penalties are not specified in the same way as alcohol - that reflects what is going on over much of Europe.’’

A recent study was carried out in which samples were taken from 2,000 suspected drink-drivers.

The results would soon be made available to the Government to decide how to proceed with new laws.

‘‘At the moment if someone has a level of between 80mg and 100mg of alcohol in their blood they are over the limit,’’ Professor Cusack said.

‘‘The penalty becomes more severe if it goes over 100mg and then again more severe if over 150mg.

‘‘So we need to ask if there should be a stiffer penalty if someone tests positive for alcohol and another drug.’’

He added: ‘‘At present that is not provided for in law but I am sure that is something that will be looked at.’’

Studies in 1990, 1999 and 2001 showed an increase in the number of people driving with drugs in their bloodstream.

‘‘Perhaps that is not surprising because there is an increase in the number of drugs used generally in society, particularly cannabis and ecstasy. These are among the drugs that are being seen in the tests,’’ Professor Cusack said.

But he added: ‘‘It is important to stress that alcohol is still the major problem when it comes to driving under the influence.’’