EU law must target drivers on drugs (9th March, 2010)
March 9, 2010 at 6:36 pm Leave a comment
European research due to be released later this year could lead to the introduction of tough new measures governing the use of drugs by motorists. A joint four-year study involving 20 EU countries into the effects of psychoactive drugs on road safety will aim to create a basis for harmonised Europe-wide regulations.
Jim Higgins MEP, a member of the EU’s Transport Committee, said the recommendations of the DRUID project (Driving under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines) should be implemented swiftly once as they are published. Speaking in Strasbourg this week, Mr Higgins said the lack of technology for drug-testing is a big problem for gardaí.
‘Seven out of ten erratic motorists tested by gardaí have been under the influence of cannabis or prescription drugs, but they have to be tested by a GP, which is simply not practical. We need to the apply the same technology that we use to measure precise levels of blood alcohol,’ he said.
Mr Higgins vowed to press the issue with the new EU Transport Commissioner, Siim Kallas. ‘The EU has taken a major role in leading the way on road safety directives covering wing mirrors, seat belts and alcohol limits – we have to extend those safeguards to govern motorists taking illegal or prescription drugs,’ he added.
Entry filed under: Drugs and the EU, Road safety and the EU, Transport and the EU. Tags: .
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