DOCTORS DEMAND DRUG TESTS TO CUT ROAD DEATHS

DRUG tests for drivers are urgently needed to cut the number of fatal
road accidents, doctors' leaders said yesterday.

The British Medical Association urged the Government to co-ordinate
scientific research into effective tests for illegal and legal drugs.

Between the 1980s and 1990s, the number of people involved in fatal
road accidents who tested positive for cannabis increased fourfold
from three per cent to 12 per cent. Because nearly half of all 16- to
24-year-olds claim to have tried cannabis, this number could rise
even further, the BMA believes.

Developing a test that shows the effects of illegal or prescription
drugs on driving is extremely difficult.

Tests would need to take into account the amount of drugs in the
body, the degree of impairment and the length of time a drug remains
in the body.