Gardaí have launched a faster and more effective roadside drug testing system for the Christmas period.
The new Securetec® Drugwipe 6s roadside drug testing device works like an antigen test and enables roadside testing for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine for the first time.
The new preliminary drug testing device will be operational from today Thursday 1 December to coincide with the launch of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Gardai Síochána Christmas and New Year road safety appeal.
The new Securetec® Drugwipe 6s roadside drug testing device is more portable, faster at delivering results and can not only test for Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines and Opiates, this device can, unlike its predecessor, test for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine.
An intensive six-week road safety enforcement campaign is underway with the one primary goal of reducing the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. Gardaí will be also targeting other road traffic offences such as mobile phone use, speeding and non-wearing of seatbelts.
Over the last five years there were 86 fatalities and 765 serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period.
Drivers are being reminded that the Coca Cola Designated driver campaign is running again this year. The scheme offers free soft drinks and water to anyone acting as a designated driver on a night out with friends or family.
146 people have died on the roads to date in 2022 – this represents an increase of 27 on the same day last year. Separately, 1,174 people were seriously injured on our roads this year up to 27 November 2022.
