Drug testing of drivers at road crashes to become compulsory from this weekend
Picture: Had Have Drugs Up To Test Robbie Gardaí Discretionary Until For Reynolds A Power Now,
Mandatory drug testing of all drivers involved in serious road crashes is to come into force ahead of the busy bank holiday weekend.
From midnight on Friday, gardaí will be required to test drivers involved in serious collisions for the presence of drugs in their system.
Up until now, gardaí have had a discretionary power to test for drugs. However, the Government is now making this compulsory as part of a range of new measures aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on roads.
With research and evidence indicating that drug-driving is increasing on roads, this change is intended to discourage dangerous driving behaviour and ensure that all those who drive under the influence and are involved in a serious collision are detected.
Minister of State for Transport, Jack Chambers, who has signed into law the Road Traffic Act 2024 Order, which deals with mandatory drug testing for drivers, said the provision marks an "important milestone" in response to worrying road death ends.
"Driving under the influence is one of the four main causes of road fatalities and it is simply unacceptable. Ensuring that enforcement by An Garda Síochána is underpinned by robust road traffic legislation is a priority for me and my department.
"Government is committed to doing all it can to reverse the really alarming trends we have seen in recent times, where fatalities have been rising year-on-year. One life lost is one too many on our roads," Mr Chambers said.
The Road Traffic Act is being implemented in stages and seeks to bring about targeted and systemic change in key areas linked to dangerous driving behaviours.