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UK: Police could get more powers to combat drug drivers

Ananova

Tuesday 12 Mar 2002

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Police could be given greater powers to arrest drug-taking drivers as
figures show the spiralling influence of illegal substances in fatal
smashes.

Ministers want to toughen the law and to educate officers in drug
recognition techniques which would give them greater confidence to
arrest a suspect.

The move comes as doctors' leaders call for drug-driving tests and warn
both legal and illegal substances impair the ability to drive safely in
the same lethal way as alcohol.

The British Medical Association says the Government must co-ordinate
"speedier and more scientific research" to establish effective drug
testing devices as soon as possible.

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 percentage 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 fears this number will rise given the increasing use of drugs.
Nearly half of 16 to 24 years old in England and Wales are reported as
having tried cannabis and 39% claimed to have taken hallucinogens, it
said.

A Department of Transport spokeswoman said: "If a person is suspected of
taking drugs and driving it is very difficult to prove it. Education and
legislation would put police officers in a better position to make that
judgment."

She said information on the dangers of drugs and driving could be
published in glossy magazines targeted at young people and clubbing, and
distributed in doctors' surgeries.

She added: "We have undertaken research in to this subject and we are
looking for a chance to legislate to give police greater powers.
Drinking and driving remains a very big problem for the Government and
the penalties for both drinking and the taking of drugs and driving
reflect this."

 

 

 

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