New Drug Testing Kits To Make Driving Safer

WHATFG

Well-Known Member
New drug testing kits to make driving safer
January 16, 2015 | by SWNS Reporter | 0 Comments
back in 1903, it’s been working hard to improve the safety of our roads. Although the initial licensing fee cost just 20 shillings (£1) and was used as a way to identify and monitor cars on the road, the system has since evolved into a complete system designed to ensure the overall quality of cars and their respective drivers.

Indeed, if you’re of legal driving age in the UK (17) and want to get behind the wheel you’ll now have to clear a number of hurdles. Instead of paying a paltry £1 for what many class as modern day “freedom”, young adults now have to swat up on the rules of the road, take a theory test, learn to safely handle a car, take another test and then fill out a number forms to tax, insure and MOT their car.

A history of protection

Only once a driver has completed this multistep process will the government give them free reign to operate a car. However, as we all know, that’s not the end of the story when it comes to the government’s job. Monitoring drivers on a random basis has become one of the best defences against dangerous driving since 1962.

timthumb.php

New drug testing kits will make driving safer (File picture / Scottish Government)

Roadside breathalysers and blood tests are standard tools for police officers in the battle against drink drivers and this arsenal of weapons could be set to increase in the coming months thanks to a recent government initiative.

Unlike alcohol fuelled drivers, drug takers have long flown under the radar when it comes to roadside detection. Although the effects of most drugs are plain to see when a user’s faculties are put under pressure, it’s not always possible to accurately assess exactly which drug or how much of it someone has taken.

Drug testing for the future

Fortunately, the UK government has just approved a new testing kit that can determine whether a driver has taken cannabis or cocaine. Described by a spokesperson for the Home Office as “groundbreaking”, the new kit will analyse a driver’s saliva and should available for use across the UK in the early part of 2015.

At present officers have to rely on their professional judgement and further investigation away from the roadside to prove a driver has taken drugs before getting behind the wheel. However, with this new test, which will be used alongside a breathalyser, officers can quickly determine whether a driver has traces of cannabis or cocaine in their system.

Aside from being yet another way in which the government is able to keep the UK’s roads safe, it’s hoped the new kits will help reduce the number of drug related accidents. According to statistics from the Department for Transport, around 200 deaths on our roads each year are the direct result of drug use. This number is comparative to the number of deaths caused by drink driving which shows exactly how significant this new piece of technology could be for drivers in the UK.


Category: News


Related posts:

  1. Controversial DIY drug kits supplied by police
  2. Scientists unveil £1.50 drugs test
  3. Drug addict handed lifetime driving ban
  4. New driving test will require learners to memorise directions
  5. Dopey driver No 1: Motorist caught in car chase after driving into a POLICE STATION
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.


Privacy guaranteed. We never share your info.


Add your comment




Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules
I agree to the House Rules
For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy
 
So this says nothing on how the device will actually work. Are they just going to do nic test of your throat or nostrils? lol
 
seems that way. they should test for other medications then. some people are completely whacked on narcotics and drive but they don't test for those.
 
doesnt a cop need a warrant to take a saliva sample...
The story is from the uk. I don't know what the laws are there. If it's not already covered by your provincial DUI laws it will be as soon as they are tested and considered reliable enough to be used in court.
 
the drag is they test the presence and not the impairment. if you smoked hours before you drove & were completely straight, you'd still test positive so i think they need to do more work on that.
someone who has used MJ for years will have a tolerance that a newbie wouldn't and the effects wouldn't be felt as long.
 
If i just woke up in the morning an spit on that test id be over.
But my 8-9 perks a day wouldnt matter.
Its a colosal waste of time and money.
 
Back
Top