Drivers will be tested for for cocaine and cannabis as well as alcohol when Nottinghamshire police launch their Christmas campaign against drink drivers.
New technology means police can now test for drugs by the roadside in a bid to crack down on what officers call ‘drug driving’.
The tests will be included as part of the December road-side checks, increased traffic patrols and policy of breathalysing all drivers involved in accidents.
Video: Chief Insp Vickers on why people still take the risk of drinking and driving
Chief Inspector Phil Vickers said: “The annual drink driving campaign has a difference this year, we have new legislation and equipment that means we can test for cannabis and cocaine use. “
The festive period often sees an increase in drink and drug driving, with 13 people arrested last year between midday Christmas Eve and midday Boxing Day alone.
A loved one won’t be coming home
Chief Insp Vickers added: “Inevitably at this time of year officers conducting the law enforcement for drink and drug use are the same as officers that have to go and break the bad news to families.
“We talk to our officers and its absolutely heartbreaking for them to stand outside a house, see the Christmas decorations up with children playing inside and then to go and have to knock on the door and tell them that a loved one won’t be coming home because someone’s decided to drink and drive or consume drugs and drive.”
In the past police have struggled to secure prosecutions for driving under the influence of drugs as there was no road-side test.
This meant that if police suspected somebody had taken drugs they would have to take them to the station for a blood test, by which time the effects may have worn off.
The new tests, which have been dubbed drugalsysers, work by analysing a small amount of saliva for traces of drugs. The tests take around eight minutes to work and display lines similar to a pregnancy test to give the results.
Chief Insp Vickers added: “We’ve had access to the drug testing kit for a number of weeks and its been disappointing to be honest, the number of people who have tested positive for cannabis and cocaine use.”
Absolutely heartbreaking
There are now 900 kits for police use across the East Midlands.
Constable Brian Avann added: “Theres nothing worse than having to deliver the news to some family somewhere that someone they love has been killed in a traffic incident and some of those situations could be avoided.
“The problem is there’s always going to be individuals who don’t listen no matter how much you beat the drum and show them horrific images. I wish I could bottle my experience and give it to people (considering drink or drug driving).”
Officers are encouraging people to report drink or drug drivers by dialling 999 if you know someone is about to get behind the wheel of a car.
Alternatively, contact Notts Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously to report habitual drink or drug driving.
