Campaign launched to target drug driving

The dangers of drug driving are being highlighted direct to students across Northern Ireland.

Nineteen Universities and Colleges of Further Education have been chosen as sites for posters in a joint campaign drawn up by the PSNI and the Department of the Environment.

The posters warn: "The police in this area are now testing drivers and riders for evidence of driving on drugs."

The new campaign could see suspected drug drivers or riders asked to undergo a number of roadside impairment tests by specially trained police officers. Those failing a series of exercises in the 'Preliminary Impairment Tests' may be arrested and taken to a police station to obtain a specimen of blood or urine for analysis.

Superintendent Brian Kee, Head of the Police Service’s Road Policing Development Branch, said: “The dangers posed by drink drivers are well known. But we are also determined to increase the pressure on drug driving. Tests on drivers have revealed a range of drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, glue and amphetamines.

"In addition there is a tendency for people to mix drugs and drink which becomes an even more lethal cocktail.”

Police figures revealed that total of 113 drug drivers have been detected in Northern Ireland in the first nine months - 21 up on the same period last year.

(MB/SP)