Pubdate: Sat, 21 Oct 2000 Source: Scotland On Sunday (UK) Copyright: 2000 The Scotsman Publications Ltd. Contact: scotlandonsunday.com Address: 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, Scotland Fax: (+44) 0131 226 7420 Website: http://www.scotlandonsunday.com/ PHYSICAL TESTS CATCH OUT DRUG-DRIVERS A BIZARRE new roadside test for drug-drivers, which involves a suspect standing on one leg or touching his own nose, has proved more successful in catching motorists under the influence of narcotics than anything science could offer, writes Peter Laing. The first results from the test, used when a car has been stopped for driving erratically, showed that every driver who failed the new test was later proved by a blood test to be under the influence of drugs. The results are particularly significant because all those who took the roadside test had already passed a breathalyser and would otherwise have escaped serious charges. They show that the test - which has been used alongside chemical tests including sweat and saliva swabs - is by far the most effective at detecting that an erratic driver is under the influence of drugs. The Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland has decided to go ahead with the Scotland-wide introduction of the tests, although a date has not been set. Police are increasingly concerned by the problem of people who drive while under the influence of drugs. The situation has been exacerbated by the problem of finding an equivalent to the breathalyser test for alcohol. The physical tests, which are used in the US, Sweden and Norway, hark back to old-fashioned drink-driving tests. They consist of five key elements : the size of drivers' pupils are examined for signs of narrowing or dilation; they are asked to walk nine steps, putting one foot directly in front of the other, and then to turn and repeat the process; they are then asked to estimate the passing of 30 seconds; next, they have to stand on one leg and count upwards from 1,000; finally, each suspect has to place a finger on his nose six times, alternating arms. Officers look for other giveaway signs of drug use while carrying out the tests, including red eyes, distraction and herb-like smells. Those who fail the drug examination have to be taken to a police station and give a blood sample. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart