New roadside drug testing system launched
Gardaí have today rolled out a new roadside drug driving testing device, which they say can test for a greater range of drugs on the spot.
Gardaí say the new Securetec Drugwipe 6s roadside drug testing device works like an antigen test and is faster at delivering results.
It can test for Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines, Opiates, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine.
The new preliminary drug testing device will be operational from today by An Garda Síochána, who have announced a six-week road safety enforcement campaign across the country to Christmas and New Year.
For An Garda Síochána, one primary goal will be to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs, but they will be also targeting other road traffic offences such as mobile phone use, speeding and non-wearing of seatbelts.
Research by the RSA and An Garda Síochána revealed that over the last five years there were 86 fatalities and 765 serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period.
146 people have died on the roads to date in 2022 – this represents an increase of 27 on the same day last year.
Separately, 1,174 people have been seriously injured on Irish roads this year, as of 27th November.