Roadside drug testing system launched in Ireland

A new roadside drug testing system has launched in Ireland as part of a Christmas and New Year road safety appeal.

The system is called the Securetec Drugwipe 6s; it operates like an antigen test, delivering results in 2-8 minutes. It can test for a wide variety of drugs, including Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines and Opiates.

It comes as part of the gardaí's "intensive six-week road safety enforcement campaign across the country to Christmas and New Year."

An Garda Síochána said it's "one primary goal will be to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs," and will "also target other road traffic offenses such as mobile phone use, speeding, and non-wearing of seatbelts."

A new road-side drug driving testing device, which can test for a greater range of drugs is being launched today at the Road Safety Authority and @GardaTraffic Christmas and New Year Road Safety Appeal at @UCC. #VisionZero #RoadSafetyAppeal
1/3 https://t.co/1h0cjJ7j0B pic.twitter.com/i2RcF5sDAI

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) December 1, 2022

According to research by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), over the last five years there were 86 fatalities and 765 serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, said the majority of motorists don't drive under the influence, but "there are still some who persist in this dangerous behaviour."

Year round, there were 146 deaths on Irish roads to date in 2022, with 1,174 serious injuries up to the 27th of November.

In 2016, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) reported 1,113 samples were tested for drugs other than alcohol. By 2021, the number increased to 4,321.

"While alcohol still remains the most frequently detected intoxicant in driving in Ireland, cannabis is the second most frequently found intoxicant and its detection in drivers is continuing to increase, with cocaine being the third most commonly found intoxicant drug detected," said the MBRS Director Denis Cusack.

"If you are planning to head out socialising, remember to plan how you are going to get home in advance. Designate a driver or organise a taxi, hackney, minibus, or public transport. Be aware too of the danger of drink driving the morning after," advised the CEO of RSA Sam Waide.

Sam Waide, CEO of RSA closed the proceedings “I am urging all road users to act responsibly and to not drink or drug drive when using the roads throughout the Christmas and New Year period.” #VisionZero #RoadSafetyAppeal pic.twitter.com/8IUHZtPi84

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) December 1, 2022

According to the RSA, "if your oral fluid tests positive for Cannabis or Cocaine, you will be arrested and brought to the station where a blood specimen will be collected and sent to the MBRS for analysis. If your oral fluid tests positive for Benzodiazepines, Opiates or Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine and MDMA) and the Garda is of the opinion that you are impaired, you will be arrested and brought to the station where a blood specimen will be collected and sent to the MBRS for analysis."

If the Garda does not believe you are impaired after testing positive for Benzodiazepines or Opiates or Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine and MDMA), you may drive on.

The maximum penalty for drug driving offences is a €5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment on summary conviction.