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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: New Call For Drug/Drive Tests
Sky News
Tuesday 12 Mar 2002 Doctors' leaders have called for drug-driving tests as figures showed spiralling numbers of people dying in road accidents while high on illegal drugs.The British Medical Association warned drugs - both illegal and legal - can impact on a driver's ability to drive safely in the same lethal way as alcohol. The Government must co-ordinate "speedier and more scientific research" to establish effective drug testing devices as soon as possible, the BMA said. Raise awareness It should also raise awareness of the issue with the public and educate them on the impact of drugs on driving ability. Between 1985 and 1999 the number of people involved in fatal road accidents who tested positive for cannabis increased four-fold from 3% to 12%, research from the Transport Research Laboratory found. The BMA's Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said: "Whatever action the Government takes on drug driving it is essential that it is accompanied by a public awareness campaign. 'Driving ability' "People generally accept that you shouldn't drink and drive but probably have no idea about the effects of drugs on their driving ability. "We're not just talking about illegal drugs but prescribed ones too. "Millions of people regularly take drugs like anti-depressants, painkillers, anti-histamines and cough mixtures, all of which can have a sedative effect, and yet most of these people probably think it's totally safe for them to drive."
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