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New powers to target drug drivers
14.10.10
by Eamonn Mac Dermott, Inishowen Independent
NEWS that An Garda Síochána is to receive new powers
and training in drug detection measures for drivers
has been broadly welcomed by Susan Gray of Public
Against Road Carnage (PARC).
At a road safety conference in Dublin this week it
was revealed that Gardaí are to receive new powers
and training in the detection of drug driving as
part of a major crackdown to get under way early
next year.
Susan Gray said: “This is a long overdue measure and
we welcome it absolutely. It was first suggested in
2006 so it is about time that these measures were
brought in.”
Gardaí have advised that the problem relates not
just to illegal drugs like cannabis, ecstasy or
cocaine, but also to prescription drugs available
from pharmacies. At a recent road safety meeting in
Ballybofey, Garda Pat McGlynn said that drivers
should check the labels on medications and avoid
driving if it warns that consumption of that
medication could lead to drowsiness.
Among the powers Gardaí are to be given is the right
to ask drivers to perform a series of simple
roadside tests, such as demonstrating body
co-ordination, they are due to be signed into law in
coming weeks.
The conference also heard that drug driving could be
as serious a problem as drink driving. It was also
claimed that a significant drop in the number of
convictions for drink driving had been accompanied
by an increase in the number of breath tests. |
However Susan Gray was
sceptical about the figures. She said: “We would
contend that the checkpoints are simply not being
set up at the right time to give a proper indication
of the extent of the problem.
“Checkpoints have got to be set up after socialising
hours at the weekend to see if people leaving the
bars and night clubs are drinking and driving.
“Checkpoints set up in the afternoon or early
evening simply do not give the full picture.”
She added: ”Recently I attended a meeting of the
police committee and the Gardai were saying they
were setting up checkpoints on Sunday, Monday and
Tuesday nights. |
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Susan Gray of PARC |
“This is totally
ridiculous and gives us no indication of the extent
of the problem. We need the checkpoints on Friday
and Saturday nights after socialising hours.”
But the PARC spokesperson was full of praise for the
Traffic Corps in Inishowen. She “Having said all
that I have to say that we are delighted that the
Traffic Corps are doing such a brilliant job in
Inishowen. They are out there enforcing the law and
doing a great job.” |
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