AA calls for stricter drug driving tests

By Jamie Fretwell

19th December 2008

	40% of 18-24s think drug driving is a bigger problem than drink driving

The current police tests for drug driving are not effective enough, according to a study by the AA.

Research from Trimega Laboratories shows how more than 50,000 drivers a year would fail roadside 'drugalyzer' tests if they were used by the police. Trimega, who have been conducting trials around the world, teamed up with the AA as part of the large survey.

It found that 40% of 18-24s think drug driving is a bigger problem than drink driving. However, this was 53% when asked to the over 55s.
 
Tests to see if you're under the influence of alcohol are so heavily relied upon by the police, that manufacturers are making DIY kits for consumers. As AutoExpress revealed last week (Newsweek, Issue 1,043), many of these give inaccurate results when compared to the Home Office approved breathalyser.

In the UK, the penalties for drug-driving are the same as drink-diving - i.e. up to £5,000 fine, ban and possible 12 month custodial sentence. Currently, police drug tests involve such things as walking nine paces and back, balancing on one leg, and touching your nose with your eyes closed.

As with the breathalyzer 40 years ago, the AA predicts that the introduction of drugalyzers could result in a sharp drop in drug-driving offences.