Drug testing for drivers is coming.

[turnout]

Fisrt:

Figures seen by the transport select committee show just 168 drug-drivers were prosecuted in Britain in a year.

This was despite drugs having been suspected of playing a contributing role in 56 fatal accidents in 2008.

The government said it was determined to ensure the police had everything they need to tackle "this menace".

By contrast with the UK, in Germany 34,500 people were prosecuted for drug-driving during a similar period.





http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11970155




Then:




Manufacturers will be sent details of the Government's requirements for the new drug-testing machines today.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8258043/Motorists-face-drug-testing-within-months.html




It is understood that the first devices, capable of testing for an array of drugs including amphetamines, cannabis and ecstasy, could be in police stations by the summer.





Bring it on.

 

[summerdays]

By contrast with the UK, in Germany 34,500 people were prosecuted for drug-driving during a similar period.

Wow! How many were prosecuted for drink-driving? And what sort of penalty do they give in Germany?

 

[tyred]

I don't think this problem is given enough attention. I have seen people do things on the road that no sane person would ever do. Drugs are surely a part of it.

 

[DrSquirrel]

Another part in the war on motorists

 

[slowmotion]

It will be interesting to see if they set threshold values for "allowable" drug concentrations, even though the drugs are illegal. According to this little snippet....

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_does_marijuana_stay_in_your_system

.... some cannabis drug analysers look for 9-carboxy-THC which is a breakdown product of THC. This stays in the body for up to ten days after smoking, even for infrequent users. Leaving aside the illegality of the drug, could anybody seriously claim that somedody's driving was impaired ten days after smoking a spliff?

 

[slowmotion]

This article is interesting, especially the part relating to Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DUID

 

[upsidedown]

Doesn't the success of such a scheme rely on actually having some Police to implement it ?

 

[Ste T.]

Absolutely spot on!

As long as you are taxed and insured and are not driving in anyway badly, the odds on you getting a pull are enormous.

 

[2Loose]

Doesn't the success of such a scheme rely on actually having some Police to implement it ?

Sigh, very true.

 

[leemo]

There isnt really any evidence that those who have smoked cannabis are more likely to have driving accidents. Yes, psychomotor skills are impaired, but users compensate by taking less risks. A bit like bicycle helmet wearers who take more risks.

But hey ho, when science actually have anything to do with drugs policy anyway.

 

[Leaway2]

If only there was a stupidity test.