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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Police launch drug tests for drivers across Scotland
Marcello Mega The Sunday Times
Sunday 10 Jun 2001 ROADSIDE tests are to be introduced by police forces throughout Scotland to catch the growing number of erratic and dangerous drivers under the influence of drugs. Suspects will be asked to perform tasks to test their motor skills. These include standing on one leg for 30 seconds and walking nine paces heel-to-toe in a straight line. The tests were introduced in Strathclyde on June 1 and will be adopted by Scotland's other seven police forces as soon as officers can be trained to conduct five "field impairment tests". These also include examining eyes, because pupil can be affected by drugs, asking drivers to touch the tips of their noses slowly with their index fingers and a Romberg test - tilting the head back with eyes closed and estimating a period of 30 seconds. Inspector Paul Fleming of Strathclyde police, who researched drug-driving detection methods for the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos), said the tests would take about 10 minutes to perform. A driver suspected of having used alcohol will be breathalysed, but if drug use is evident drivers will be arrested and taken to the nearest police station, where they will be asked to take a blood or urine test. The introduction of the tests reflects growing concern at the rising number of drug-related road accidents. Over the past 10 years, the number of road deaths in which drugs were a factor rose from 5% to 16%. Almost one in five drivers killed in road accidents had been taking drugs. Three years ago, Strathclyde was one of four British forces to pilot roadside drug tests using Drugwipe, a device that tests forehead perspiration for traces of narcotics. It proved effective only when significant quantities of just four drugs had been taken, and was not adopted. The motor skills tests, which are already used in England and Wales, have been commonplace in America since the 1970s. They are considered effective in detecting cannabis, opiates (including heroin), stimulants (including cocaine) and hallucinogens (including LSD). They can also detect prescription drugs such as Valium and solvent abuse. Isobel Brydie, co-chairman of the Scottish Campaign Against Irresponsible Drivers, said the tests were "better than nothing" - but efforts to develop the drug equivalent of an alcohol breathalyser should be stepped up.
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