DRUG DRIVING TO BE FOCUS OF EASTER WEEKEND ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVE IN CO MONAGHAN

29 March 2024 No Comments by The Northern Standard

Monaghan Co Council together with An Garda Síochána are highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Drug driving remains a problem in Ireland with estimations that it’s a factor in approximately one in ten fatal crashes. Drug driving not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and others who share the road. The age profile of drivers providing blood and urine specimens nationally in the 25 to 44 yearold brackets continues to contribute to the greatest percentage of arrested drivers.

The number of male drivers (85%) required to provide a breath specimen exceeds the number of female drivers (15%) by a ratio of nearly 6:1. Sergeant Niall Leech from the Monaghan Roads Policing Unit spoke of the importance of roadside drug testing by Gardaí. “The test, which involves a mouth swab, is easy to carry out and within minutes will tell if a driver has drugs in their system. This screening device is an important tool in the identification of drug drivers, ensuring our roads are safer for everyone to use. A small quantity of drugs can seriously affect a driver’s motor skills, balance….

Comments are closed.