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Drug driving arrests double in
2020
31.07.20
Gardaí are warning
against ‘Driving Under Influence’ ahead of the
August bank holiday weekend. A total of 1,216 drug
driving arrests were made in the first six months of 2020
which is an increase of 106% compared to the same
period in 2019. This is despite a 70% reduction in
traffic volumes during the Covid-19 Lockdown.
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) recorded a
17% increase in the number of blood and urine
specimens analysed in the first six months of 2020
compared with the first six months of 2019 (2,787 vs
2,375). They recorded a 6.5% increase in blood and
urine specimens taken from drivers arrested from
March 27 to June 29. Drug testing of specimens shows
that cannabis is the most prevalent drug detected
followed by cocaine. |
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Drug driving arrests double in first
six months of 2020 compared to 2019. |
Professor Denis Cusack,
MBRS said: "There has been a noticeable increase in
the number of specimens being analysed by the MBRS
in 2020. In fact, in the first six months, we have
seen the three highest weekly counts in the last 10
years for blood and urine specimens received. Of the
tests undertaken in the laboratory in 2019 on
specimens provided and tested for drugs, 74% were
positive for at least one drug, with cannabis the
most prevalent. What we are seeing in the blood and
urine specimens we are analysing is that drivers are
consuming a mix of intoxicants, both drugs and
alcohol as well as different combinations of drugs,
resulting in significant impairment effects on
driver skills and the resulting dangers.”
17% increase in ‘Driving Under Influence’ specimens
analysed in first six months of 2020
• 1,216 drug driving arrests in first six months, up
106%
• 41 additional drug testing devices to be used at
checkpoints
• 6.5% increase in blood and urine specimens
analysed during 'Covid-19 Lockdown’, despite 70%
decrease in traffic volumes
• A third of drivers killed tested positive for
alcohol
• Cocaine and cannabis most common illicit drugs
detected in drivers killed |
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