Rise in drug-driving detections as  polydrug use is 'commonly' found

In 2019, a total of 5,372 drivers were brought to Garda Stations and provided breath specimens for alcohol analysis. Picture: Dan Linehan

There was a 34% increase in the number of tests confirming the presence of drugs in motorists last year under preliminary testing, according to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.

According to the Bureau's latest annual report, of the 3,230 blood and urine specimens tested for drugs, 2,375 (74% of toxicology specimens and 49% of all specimens received) were positive for at least one drug class on preliminary testing, leading to a 34% overall increase in drug confirmation testing.