Government clampdown on drugged drivers
The government has recently approved the use of new saliva drug testing kits by police in England and Wales. The kits are able to detect the presence of certain illegal drugs and allow police to take immediate action if they suspect an individual of driving under the influence of an illegal substance.
The saliva test can detect if a person has recently taken cocaine or cannabis, which are two of the most commonly used drugs. If the individual’s saliva test is positive, after arrest the police have the power to invite the driver to provide a blood test. Blood tests will be administered by a medical professional rather than the arresting officer.
The Home Office has described the latest drug testing technology as being ground-breaking and is confident that it will help control the drug menace that is endangering road users.
Mike Penning, the Policing Minister, approved the new test kits while a Home Office spokesperson explained the decision: “The government is determined to drive the menace of drug-driving from our roads. Not only do those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs put their own lives at risk, but also those of innocent motorists and their passengers.”
It is hoped that police forces across England and Wales will start using the new testing kits “as quickly as possible.”
200 deaths per year
It is estimated that 200 deaths occur on the roads every year as a result of drivers taking illegal drugs such as cannabis and cocaine.
In March 2015, a new law will come into effect making it illegal for anyone to drive a vehicle if they have more than a specified quantity of illegal drugs present in their blood system. Under the current law, police have to be able to prove that a driver is impaired due to drug use and this is often a subjective test. The new law will create an objective test.
Research into the impact of cocaine use on an individual’s ability to drive a vehicle has shown that they are affected both when it is first taken and during the withdrawal stage, making the drug especially dangerous. Drivers may not feel high when they get behind the wheel, but their reactions and judgement may still be impaired, thus increasing the risk of potentially serious accidents.
Cannabis is thought to cause multiple problems for drivers. It impairs co-ordination, visual perception, tracking and vigilance. Drivers who have taken cannabis are less likely to spot a potential hazard emerging and if they do identify a problem, their impaired co-ordination means they may not react in sufficient time to avoid a collision.
Police officers will be using the saliva test alongside breathalysers used to test for alcohol. It is hoped that the new drug testing kits will not only help police to identify and prosecute those who drive while under the influence of illegal drugs but will also act as a deterrent. Many drivers are aware that the police are not currently able to effectively identify when a person is driving under the influence of cocaine or cannabis so are willing to take a risk. This new technology should help to save lives.