Roadside drug tests for UK drivers

The police in England and Wales are introducing roadside tests to check whether drivers are under the influence of drugs. The crackdown on drug driving will see recently approved testing kits being used by traffic officers for enforcement purposes. Concern has been expressed following recent studies showing large numbers of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. Young male drivers pose a particular risk for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. There are also
January 27, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
The police in England and Wales are introducing roadside tests to check whether drivers are under the influence of drugs. The crackdown on drug driving will see recently approved testing kits being used by traffic officers for enforcement purposes. Concern has been expressed following recent studies showing large numbers of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. Young male drivers pose a particular risk for getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. There are also proven links showing a high incidence of those using drugs being involved in a range of driving offences as well as crimes such as burglary. With the new kits finally being introduced to police, drivers being stopped on suspicion of being under the influence will not know whether they will be tested for drink, drugs or both. The kits use saliva samples to test for an array of different drugs and received official approval following a series of tests carried out by police forces across the country.

Related Content

  • Road safety move for young drivers
    April 11, 2024
    A new road safety focus for young drivers will save lives
    Read More
  • Japan introducing new licence renewal rules for elderly drivers
    June 15, 2015
    Japan is planning to introduce new rules for elderly drivers. The scheme is intended to boost safety for older drivers aged 75 or more. There has been concern that with an ageing population, there will be an increased risk from elderly drivers with inadequate skills.
    Read More
  • Tailgating risk in UK, and elsewhere
    April 25, 2012
    Safety campaigners in the UK have reacted with concern following the release of a study showing 53% of drivers tailgate while travelling at speed on motorways. There has been an increase in the problem of tailgating over the last seven years since a similar study was carried out, showing 49% of drivers were guilty of this dangerous practice. The study was carried out jointly by road safety body Brake and insurance firm Direct Line. Men are particularly likely to tailgate, with the study revealing 30% of mal
    Read More
  • Eyes on the road – the distraction problem
    June 23, 2016
    The news that Europe’s road safety drive stalled in 2015 is a cause for concern. The actual causes of this stutter in the road with regard to boosting safety have yet to be identified. But it is highly likely that driver distraction plays a role, at least in part. There is plenty of research showing just how much of a risk the use of cellphones pose for drivers. And yet far too many drivers are blasé about the risks these pose for driver distraction. The sight of someone using a cellphone at the wheel i
    Read More

Highlighted Content