Drug use was suspected in more than a third of cases this year where motorists were arrested after being found driving while intoxicated, according to An Garda Síochána.
Speaking at an event in Co Kildare as part of the force’s Christmas road safety campaign, Insp Ronan McDonald said that of 308 people who were arrested for intoxicated driving since the campaign started on December 1st , 86 involved a suspicion that the driver was under the influence of drugs.
More than 7,400 people were arrested over the course the year to date on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Of those, 36 per cent were based on a suspicion that the driver had drugs in their system.
While the total number of arrests was broadly similar to last year’s figure, the proportion involving drugs has increased significantly. Gardaí say they are not certain if the rise is down to increased incidence of drug driving or more effective detection.
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Gardaí have since the end of last year been able to use a swab or wipe at the roadside to obtain an initial indication as to whether a driver has drugs in their system. The process, which involves the motorist providing a sample from inside their mouth, is said to be comparable to a Covid-19 test, with the test kit then indicating the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opioids and a range of other drugs.
“In relation to detection, it’s been made a lot simpler for us in the last couple of years with the advancement of technologies,” said Insp McDonald. “It’s a far quicker way of doing the test than we had previously.”
He said a range of drugs are routinely detected at checkpoints and that drivers sometimes test positive for cannabis days after consuming the drug.
“The message going out from us here today is the night before, if you’re taking a drink, if you’re socially using drugs and you’re out for a night, or you’re at home, whatever you’re doing, do not get behind the wheel of a car,” Insp McDonald said.
“Plan to use public transport, taxis, whatever. And that extends to people who are prescribed medications, some of which, we know, can affect your cognitive ability. It also extends to the next morning. We continue to find people who are testing positive for alcohol or drugs the following day. So if do not feel well enough to drive please don’t make that decision to get behind the wheel.”
Overall, Insp McDonald said there have been 177 fatalities on the roads this year, up 30 on last year which, he said, meant 30 more families this year who would be missing loved ones at Christmas.
Since the increased campaign of checkpoints started two weeks ago, some 5,500 drivers had been issued with fixed charge notices for speeding while 360 were issued for using mobile phones.
The road safety campaign will run until January 4th.
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