MOTORISTS SUSPECTED OF DRINK-DRIVING TESTED FOR DRUGS

MOTORISTS suspected of drink-driving are automatically tested for traces of
illegal drugs under a National Bureau of Road Safety initiative on people
driving under the influence.

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

"At present there is no limit set for drugs as there is for alcohol. 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," Prof Denis
Cusack, head of Medical Bureau of Road Safety at UCD said.

However, Prof Cusack admitted implementing parts of any new drug law could
prove troublesome if drivers are taking certain prescription drugs.

"The one area that could prove problematic is with tranquillisers, where
people could be taking a valium for medical reasons. All this will be a
matter for the gardai," Prof Cusack said.

Figures released for 2000 showed that out of 78 samples tested for illegal
substances, 23 were found to contain one drug, and a further 48 had more
than one banned substance.

Cannabis and amphetamines made up the highest proportion of the illegal
substances, according to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety at UCD.

Before January 1, gardai would only order a special substance test if they
thought drugs had impaired a driver's ability. These tests are now done
automatically.

Prof Cusack said any of the drugs which suspects were being tested for
reduce reaction times and make drivers less able to judge distance and speed.

And the results of an extensive survey of samples from 2,000 suspected
drink-drivers will be published later this year. The Government will then
decide how to proceed with new laws to curb the growing problem of
drug-driving.

Meanwhile, a study has shown deaths of front-seat car occupants involved in
crashes are massively reduced when rear passengers wear seat belts.

The Japanese findings showed that about 80% of deaths of people wearing
belts in the front of vehicles could be prevented if the passengers behind
them were also secure.