GardaI will be using a new drug testing device on the roads this Christmas.
The new device, which can test for a greater range of drugs at the roadside, was launched yesterday as part of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana's Christmas and New Year road safety appeal in University College Cork. The new Securetec Drugwipe 6s roadside drug testing device has been rolled out across the country this week, and it works like an antigen test.
The device is more portable, faster at delivering results and it tests for Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines and Opiates. It can also detect the presence of illegal drugs Amphetamine and Methamphetamine.
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Along with the new drugs tests, Gardai and the RSA are also carrying out a six-week road safety enforcement campaign across the country, which runs during the Christmas and New Year until 3 January, 2023.
Gardai are aiming to reduce the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. They'll also be cracking down on mobile phone use while driving, speeding and non-wearing of seatbelts.
According to research by the RSA and Gardai, over the last five years there were 86 deaths and 765 serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period. Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the new roadside drugs test coming into effect.
She said: “We know that the majority of drivers don’t drive under the influence of drugs but there are still some who persist in this dangerous behaviour. As we come into the festive season, remember that drugs and alcohol and driving do not mix under any circumstance. I’d like to remind drivers that all drink or drug driving penalties carry a disqualification period.”
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said: “The DrugWipe 6S is now in use by Gardaí and the streamlined testing process will assist us in our goals of bringing offenders before the courts and making our roads a safer place."
The Assistant Commissioner added that “this year has seen 146 fatalities on our roads which is 146 empty seats at the table on Christmas Day."
Mr Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, also urged drivers to act responsibly and to not drink or drug drive. He said: "I would appeal to all road users not to take risks on the road and to make safer choices however you use the road. Slow down, don’t drink or drug drive, wear your seatbelt and watch out for cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and horse riders this festive season.”
The Coca Cola Designated driver campaign is also back running this year, and it offers free soft drinks and water to anyone acting as a designated driver on a night out with friends or family.
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