DRUGS AND DRIVING

Drivers will be out to the test

Tough measures to crack down on drivers who have taken drugs will be introduced in late 2003. Inside Out looks at what this means for drug users.

We all know about the laws relating to drink driving, but the law is about to get equally tough on those driving under the influence of drugs.

County Durham Police is to introduce sobriety testing in December 2003. It will be compulsory for drivers who are driving erratically or dangerously to take the new five-part test.

Inside Out investigates what this will mean for North East drivers.

Under the Influence

Across the North a growing number of drivers involved in road accidents had illegal drugs in their system according to figures from the RAC Foundation.

Drug users risk the lives of others

County Durham Police found that in many fatal accidents, the victims showed evidence of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or prescription drugs.

Durham Police took blood screenings from 23 people killed in road accidents, since the beginning of the year. Their findings make for frightening reading.

The findings imply that the drugs driving problem is becoming a more prevalent one than drink driving.

But many drivers appear to be ignorant of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs.

Cracking Down on Crime

At present, police officers have no effective roadside technology to detect drugs. Instead they rely on recognition tests, observation and experience.

Drug users risk arrest

Between 1985-99 the number of people involved in fatal accidents who tested positive for cannabis increased fourfold from 3% to 12%.

Cannabis is the most frequently detected drug in fatal accidents.

It is known to impair vision, perception, co-ordination and focus.

Police recognise that it is vital that any change in the law on cannabis is combined with a very high-profile, multimedia campaign.

Earlier this year the British Medical Association called on the government to co-ordinate scientific research to establish effective drug testing devices as soon as possible.

It says drugs - both illegal and legal - can affect the ability to drive safely.

Taking The Test

The new Field Impairment test (FIT) is designed to identify those driving under the influence of drugs.

The so-called Field Impairment Test borrows on the experience of Police in the USA who, without the breathalyser, have used it to catch drunken as well as drug abusing drivers.

They are expected to be able identify the drug which is causing the bad driving.

There is no such requirement here.

Instead motorists will be asked to undertake five exercises designed to reveal symptoms of drug taking.

In the first test a suspect's pupils are examined for signs of dilation or constriction.

Police concede it is difficult for even a sober person to pass easily.

Other tests measure the ability to co-ordinate two tasks simultaneously.

In the Romburg Test officers ask motorists to stand up straight and tilt their head back, close their eyes and count to thirty.

Swaying and losing count are signs of an impaired ability to drive.

Next, suspects have to walk nine paces in a straight line, heel to toe, in a scene reminiscent of many an Hollywood movie.

After standing on one leg, alternating between left and right, it is time for the last test.

In this one, officers ask a suspect to touch the end of their nose with their index finger three times, using both left and right hands.

Poor performance alerts suspicion

If a driver alerts suspicion, a doctor is called and further tests and assessment will be made.

This may include a blood test although the cost of administering one of these is about £250.

The Police, convinced they have persuaded all but a minority of drivers not to drink and drive, hope the new sobriety tests will deter those under the influence of drugs from taking to the wheel.