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.
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