Cork: Beginning on Thursday, new Garda tools will be in use, allowing for quicker and more thorough drug testing at the roadside.
The tool will also test for amphetamine and methamphetamine, which include speed and ecstasy, in addition to substances like cannabis and cocaine.
It will function similarly to an antigen test and provide a result in less than eight minutes. It is timed to coincide with the opening of the Garda holiday road safety campaign.
It's a game-changer, according to Brian Farrell of the Road Safety Authority: "The big point is that it is something that is incredibly portable, light, and small.
Because it is identical to the antigen testing used for Covid, "Garda can actually take it around with them."
According to Garda statistics, during the past five years, the Christmas and New Year season has resulted in 86 fatalities and 765 serious injuries.
2022 has seen 146 road fatalities so far, an increase of 27 from the previous year.
An Garda Sóchána stated that their main objective is to minimise the number of persons who drive while impaired by alcohol or illegal drugs, but they will also focus on other traffic infractions including using a mobile phone, speeding, and not fastening seatbelts.
Minister of State for the Department of Transportation Hildegarde Naughton commented on the new apparatus, saying: "I welcome the introduction of this new drug testing gadget which is an important step to be delivered under Ireland's Road Safety Strategy (Action 163) by the end of 2022.
"We are aware that the majority of drivers do not operate vehicles while impaired by narcotics, yet some drivers continue to engage in this risky behaviour. As the holiday season approaches, it's important to keep in mind that using drugs or alcohol while driving is never a good idea. I would like to warn drivers that a period of disqualification follows all drunk or drugged driving punishments.
A new road-side drug driving testing device, which can test for a greater range of drugs is being launched today at the Road Safety Authority and @GardaTraffic Christmas and New Year Road Safety Appeal at @UCC. #VisionZero #RoadSafetyAppeal
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) December 1, 2022
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